Water on the Land Flashcards
Source
Where a river begins
Mouth
Where a river enters the sea (may be an estuary or a delta)
Tributaries
Smaller rivers that join a larger river channel
Confluence
Where a tributary joins a larger river channel
Drainage basin
The area of land drained by a single river system
Watershed
The edge of the drainage basin (usually a high ridge of land)
Long profile
The entire length of the river from source to mouth
Cross profile
A cut-through or cross-section of the river at any one point
Discharge
The volume of water being carried in the river channel (measured in cumecs - m 3 /s)
Erosion
The breakdown of rock and sediment by moving forces.
Vertical erosion
The downward erosion of the river channel caused by the downward pull of gravity on the river water. This occurs in the upper course and creates a steep sided cross profile.
Lateral erosion
The sideways erosion of the river channel. This occurs in the middle and lower course and creates a very wide, flat cross profile.
Abrasion
The river’s flow throws sand and sediment against the river bed and banks.
Hydraulic action
The river’s flow erodes the bed and banks
Attrition
Particles carried in the river rub against each other and are worn down.
