Test on rivers Flashcards
what is the watershed
The boundary of a drainage basin
What is a tributary
A stream or small river that joins a larger or another
What is the source
The starting point of a stream or river
What is a confluence
A point where two streams or rivers meet
What is the mouth
The point where a river leaves its drainage basin and flows into the sea
What is freeze thaw weathering
Where rainwater enters cracks in the rocks, freezes and expands when it turns to ice, cracking rock apart.
What is chemical weathering
When the air is polluted by factories and vehicles, causing it to become more acidic and then when the rain falls on certain rocks, the acid reacts with minerals and the rock decays.
What is biological weathering
Where the roots of plants can grow into the cracks in rocks and split the rock apart.
What is Hydraulic action
Where the motion of water against a rocks surface causes air to become trapped, compressing the rock and causing it to break off
What is abrasion
Where material carried by the river rubs against the bank and bed of the channel, wearing them away.
What is soloution
Where rivers water is slightly acidic, causing rocks to be dissolved.
What is attrition
Where rocks and sediment knock against each other, causing them to become rounder and smoother
What are interlocking spurs
Where a river curves around valley side sloped called spurs, creating interlocking spurs
How are waterfalls formed
When soft rock under hard rock is eroded by flowing water, causing undercutting and a steep sided gorge is formed.
What are meanders
Curves in a rivers course commonly found on flood plains
