Rivers Flashcards
Drainage basin
An area of land which is drained by rivers and its tributaries
Confluence
The point where two river join
Flood plain
Land that flood when a river overflows
Characteristics of the upper course
Narrow channel
Shallow channel
Steep sides
V shaped valley
Steep gradient
What does the long profile show?
How a rivers gradient changes as it flows from its source to its mouth
Characteristics of the middle course
Wide channel
Deep channels
Medium gradient
Gently sloping sides
What does the crooks profile show?
The shoes of the river channel
Characteristics of the lower course
Very wide channel
Deeper channel
Gentle gradient
Almost flat valley
Abrasion
Rocks carried along by the river wears down the river bed and bank. The load works like sand paper
Attrition
Rocks being transported by the river smash together and break into smaller, rounded as smoother pieces
Hydraulic action
The force of the river against the banks can course air to be trappped in cracks and crevices. This causes the bed to weaken and wear down
Soloution
Soulable particals and minerals are dissolved into the river
Interlocking spurs
When a river meanders through solf rock because it can get through the hard rock
Gorge
A narrow , steep sided valley with bare rocky walls, where a waterfall once was
