Year 8 Rivers Flashcards
What does source mean ?
The starting point of the river
What does mouth mean ?
where the river flows into a lake, sea or ocean
What does drainage basin mean ?
the area from which water drains into a river
What is a watershed ?
The dividing line between one river basin and the next.
What is a tributary ?
A smaller river that joins the main one.
What is a confluence ?
The point where two rivers join
What is a river basin
Rain falling inside the watershed feeds the river
What is hydraulic action ?
The force of the water wearing away the banks.
What is abrasion ?
Rocks in the river wear away the banks and bed.
What is attrition ?
The wearing away of rocks and stones which are in the river hitting against each other.
What is solution ?
A chemical reaction caused by the chemicals in the river water.
What is vertical erosion ?
• Deepens the river channel and valley.
• Downwards erosion.
• Dominant in the upper course.
What is lateral erosion ?
• Widens the river channel and valley.
• Dominant in the middle and lower courses.
What is suspension ?
Fine light material is carried along in the water
What is saltation ?
Small pebbles and stones are bounced along the river bed
