River Terraces (Rejuvenation) Flashcards
How is a river terrace formed
Where a river renews its downcutting, it sinks its new channel into the former floodplain, leaving the old floodplain above the level of the present river.
What happens to river terraces over time
They are cut back as the new valley is widened by lateral erosion. If renewed rejuvenation takes place, the process is repeated and a new pair of terraces is formed beneath the original ones.
Example of a river terrace
The river thames has created terraces in its lower course by several stages of rejuvenation.
Why can river terraces be useful
They provide shelter from floods in a lower course valley, and natural route ways for roads and railways
What is a river terrace
A remnant of a former floodplain, which has been left at a higher level after rejuvenation of the river.
