(Week 5) Rivers Flashcards
Describe what a river is?
A fresh flow of water, usually down hill via gravity
What are the two terms which describe when a river is seasonal and continuous?
Intermittent is seasonal and perennial is continuous
What are the three zones to a river?
Headwaters, middle course and lowland
Explain what topography is?
The variation is slope
What term would describe fast-flowing turbulent?
hydrography
Define the word geology?
Variable hardness (such as grantite vs sand)
What are the different type of valleys which rivers can flow down?
Canyons, U-shape valley and V-shape valley
Describe what the erosion zone would look like in terms of THG?
Topography would be steep, hydrography would be turbulent and geology would be granite
Describe what a channel would look like in terms of THC?
Topography would have a flat, low gradient, Hydrography would still be high volume but slow flow and channel would be deep, wide
What is the term which describes when water is formed at the bottom of a hill?
Low land disposition
Explain how organisms have adapted not to be washed away of damaged by water flow?
They will seek refuge, minimising exposure to current, they have strong fins, they secure themselves to the ground or can be of a flat shape. (Week 5 river, page 21 to get idea)
Explain problems (abiotic) with flowing water?
The water surface is often broken and light penetration is reduced by sediment load (a matter in the water which is carried)
What term refers to matter which is carried in the water and why is this a hassle?
sediment load and is a hassle due to reduced penetration of light
What are limiting factors to production in rivers?
Low nutrients, the current and the lack of light due to sediment load
What happens to waste from rivers?
