Rivers Flashcards
What is the definition of a river?
A river is a large, flowing body of water that usually empties into a sea or ocean.
What are the main parts of a river system?
The main parts of a river system include the source, tributaries, main river, and mouth.
Where does a river begin
at the source
The area of land around where a river is
drainage basin
What is erosion?
Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth’s surface by natural processes such as wind or water flow.
Name two types of river erosion.
Hydraulic action and abrasion.
What is deposition in the context of rivers?
Deposition is the process where sediment carried by a river is dropped or settled as the river slows down.
What can be formed by river erosion (2)
Waterfall, oxbow lake
What is a watershed?
A watershed is the land area that drains into a particular river or river system.
How are meanders formed
They form as a result of erosion and deposition
What is the term for the speed at which a river flows?
Velocity
What is the term used for the amount of water flowing in a river at a given time.
Discharge
What are floodplains?
Floodplains are flat areas of land adjacent to a river that are prone to flooding.
:Which process involves the breaking down of rocks?
A) Erosion
What are tributaries in a river system?
Tributaries are smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river, contributing to its flow.
True or False: Deltas are formed at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water.
True
What is the impact of human activity on river systems?
Human activity can lead to pollution, altered flow patterns, and habitat destruction in river systems.
Name a method used to manage river floods.
Building dams or levees.
What is a river’s long profile?
A river’s long profile shows the change in elevation from the source to the mouth.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the area where a river meets the sea.
mouth
Multiple Choice: What typically happens to a rivers velocity as it approaches its mouth?
B) It slows down
What is an oxbow lake?
An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped lake formed when a river meanders and creates a cutoff.
What is the process by which water is absorbed by soil and rock?
Infiltration
What is the process called where precipitation is caught and held by vegetation.
Interception
