A - River Landforms (2) Flashcards
What is meandering in the context of fluids and gases?
The normal behavior of fluids and gases in motion.
Under what conditions does meander development occur in rivers?
When channel slope, discharge, and load combine to balance energy across the channel.
How are deltas formed?
By river sediments deposited when a river enters a standing body of water.
Why does deposition occur as rivers form deltas?
Because river velocity is reduced.
List one factor affecting delta formation related to load.
The river must be heavily laden; coarse sediments are deposited first.
How does salinity influence delta formation?
Saltwater causes clay particles to stick together, making them heavier for deposition.
What coastline gradient is favorable for delta formation?
Gentle coastlines.
How does vegetation impact delta formation?
Plants slow the water, increasing deposition.
What type of energy conditions favor delta formation?
Low-energy river discharge and/or low-energy wave or tidal energy.
What is an arcuate delta?
A delta with many distributaries that branch out radially, e.g., the Nile Delta.
Define a cuspate delta.
A pointed delta formed by a dominant channel.
What is a bird’s foot delta?
A delta with long, projecting fingers that grow at distributary ends, e.g., the Mississippi Delta.
