Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Geography > Rivers > Flashcards

Rivers Flashcards

1
Q

What is a river?

A

A river is a large, flowing body of water that usually empties into an ocean, sea, or lake.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the main components of a river system?

A

The main components are the source, channel, floodplain, and mouth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the source of a river?

A

The source is the starting point where the river begins, often in hills or mountains.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the mouth of a river?

A

The mouth is where the river flows into a larger body of water, such as an ocean or lake.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

True or False: Rivers can change their course over time.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is erosion in the context of rivers?

A

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are worn away and removed from one location to another.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What landform is created at the point where a river meets the ocean?

A

A delta is formed at the point where a river meets the ocean.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is a floodplain?

A

A floodplain is a flat area adjacent to a river that is prone to flooding.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is a meander?

A

A meander is a curve or bend in a river.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of sediment being deposited at the river’s mouth is called __________.

A

delta formation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is a watershed?

A

A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular river or lake.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the term for the steep sides of a river valley?

A

The steep sides of a river valley are called valley walls.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a river landform? A) Delta B) Meander C) Mountain

A

C) Mountain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is an oxbow lake?

A

An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped lake formed when a meander is cut off from the river.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

True or False: Rivers only shape the land through erosion.

A

False

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the main factor that influences river erosion?

A

The speed of the river’s flow is the main factor that influences erosion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is a riverbank?

A

A riverbank is the land alongside a river.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which rivers transport sediment downstream.

A

Transportation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What type of sediment is usually found at the mouth of a river?

A

Fine silt and clay are usually found at the mouth of a river.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the term for a narrow, steep-sided valley formed by river erosion?

A

A gorge

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the difference between a river and a stream?

A

A stream is a smaller body of flowing water compared to a river.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are rapids?

A

Rapids are sections of a river where the flow is fast and turbulent, often due to a steep gradient.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is a river’s gradient?

A

The gradient is the slope of the river, affecting its speed and energy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the area where a river spreads out and deposits sediment.

A

delta

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is a tributary?
A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river.
26
True or False: The process of deposition occurs when a river loses energy.
True
27
What is a canyon?
A canyon is a deep valley with steep sides, often formed by river erosion over millions of years.
28
What is a river terrace?
A river terrace is a flat area of land that was once part of the floodplain but is now higher due to erosion.
29
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of wearing away rock and soil by water flow.
Erosion
30
What is the primary cause of river meandering?
The primary cause is the erosion of the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank.
31
What is a natural levee?
A natural levee is an elevated bank formed by sediment deposition during flooding.
32
True or False: All rivers flow in a straight line.
False
33
What is the term for the area of land that drains into a river system?
Drainage basin
34
What is sediment?
Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that can be transported by water.
35
Fill in the blank: River __________ is the process of water moving over the land surface.
flow
36
What is a watershed divide?
A watershed divide is a ridge that separates one watershed from another.
37
What happens during river flooding?
During flooding, the river overflows its banks and inundates the surrounding area.
38
What is the impact of human activity on river landforms?
Human activity can alter river flow, increase erosion, and change sediment deposition patterns.
39
What are alluvial plains?
Alluvial plains are flat areas formed by sediment deposited by rivers over time.
40
What is a river's discharge?
Discharge is the volume of water flowing through a river at a given point per unit of time.
41
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for a series of small waterfalls in a river.
Cascades
42
What is a flood?
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.
43
What is channelization?
Channelization is the process of modifying a river's channel to control flow and reduce flooding.
44
True or False: Dams can affect river ecosystems.
True
45
What are the characteristics of a youthful river?
A youthful river has a steep gradient, fast flow, and is often characterized by V-shaped valleys.
46
What is the term for the area where a river erodes the landscape?
Erosional landforms
47
What is a flood risk assessment?
A flood risk assessment is an evaluation of the potential for flooding in an area.
48
Fill in the blank: __________ landforms are created by the deposition of sediment.
Depositional
49
What is a braided river?
A braided river is a river that splits into multiple channels and re-converges, creating a braided appearance.
50
What is the effect of vegetation on riverbanks?
Vegetation stabilizes riverbanks and reduces erosion.
51
What type of landform is created by the continuous erosion of a river?
A canyon
52
What is sediment transport?
Sediment transport is the movement of sediment by a river's flow.
53
True or False: River landforms can be permanently altered by natural disasters.
True
54
What is a confluence?
A confluence is the point where two rivers meet.
55
What is the primary factor that determines a river's velocity?
The gradient of the riverbed is the primary factor determining velocity.
56
Fill in the blank: The __________ of a river is influenced by the amount of water flowing and its slope.
speed
57
What is a river delta made of?
A river delta is made of sediment that has been deposited by the river as it slows down upon entering a larger body of water.
58
What is the role of a river in the ecosystem?
Rivers provide habitats, transport nutrients, and support biodiversity.
59
What is riverbank erosion?
Riverbank erosion is the removal of soil and rock from the banks of a river due to flowing water.
60
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the area where a river slows down and spreads out.
Estuary
61
What is the significance of wetlands in relation to rivers?
Wetlands act as natural buffers, absorbing floodwaters and filtering pollutants.
62
What is a river's base level?
The base level is the lowest point to which a river can erode.
63
True or False: Rivers can be both sources and sinks for sediments.
True
64
What is a river's hydrology?
Hydrology is the study of the distribution and movement of water within the river system.
65
What is a watershed management plan?
A watershed management plan is a strategy for managing water resources within a watershed.
66
Fill in the blank: The __________ of a river can change due to seasonal rainfall.
flow
67
What is river pollution?
River pollution is the contamination of river water by harmful substances.
68
What is a river's flood stage?
Flood stage is the level at which a river overflows its banks.
69
True or False: River ecosystems are not affected by human development.
False
70
What is the term for the natural process of a river changing its course?
Avulsion
71
What is the significance of riverbanks for wildlife?
Riverbanks provide critical habitats and resources for various wildlife species.
72
Fill in the blank: __________ zones are areas where river waters meet ocean waters.
Estuarine
73
What is the role of sediment in river ecosystems?
Sediment provides nutrients and habitats for aquatic organisms.
74
What is the effect of climate change on river systems?
Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, affecting river flow and ecosystems.
75
What is riverbank stabilization?
Riverbank stabilization involves methods to prevent erosion and protect the riverbank.
76
True or False: Only natural processes affect river landforms.
False

Geography (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions