Geography Flashcards
Drainage
Basin
an area of land drained by a river and its tributaries (aka catchment area).
Watershed
the line that divides two drainage basins, usually a range of hills or upland area.
Source
The starting point of a river.
These are usually springs.
Mouth
where the river enters a sea or lake.
Tributary
a smaller river that joins a larger one.
Confluence
where two rivers join
Erosion
where rocks are worn away (eroded) and the land changes shape.
Transportation
where eroded material is carried (transported) by the river downstream
Deposition
where transported material is dropped (deposited) when the river loses energy, such as when it enters the sea
Describe the Hydrological (water) cycle
Ev & Tr
Co
Pr
Water cycle or Hydrological cycle
- Evaporation & Transpiration
- Condensation
- Precipitation
…repeat… it’s a cycle
Describe a river profile…
Sou
Mid
Low
Mou
River profile
Source - upper course - steep gradient
Middle course - gentle gradient
Lower course - very gentle gradient
- mouth of the river
What are the 4 River Erosion Processes?
Hyd
Att
Sol
Abr
River erosion processes
1. Hydraulic action is when water sweeps out loose materials and traps air in the cracks of the rocks, causing them to break up
2. Attrition is when rocks carried by the river collide with each other and become smaller and smoother
3. Solution is when the water dissolves some of the minerals (chemical change)
4. Abrasion is when materials eroded by the river grinds away the river bed and banks
What are the 4 River Transportation Processes?
Sus
Sol
Tra
Sal
River transportation processes
1. Suspension is when fine light materials are transported down the river
2. Solution is when minerals dissolve into the water (chemical change)
3. Traction is when large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed
4. Saltation is when small pebbles and rocks are bounced along the river bed
