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JC Rivers
Analysis of the key terms associated with Rivers
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Source | The beginning of a river. |
Course | Route a river takes. |
Confluence | The point where two rivers/streams meet. |
Tributary | A stream/smaller river that flows into a larger stream/river. |
Mouth | The point where a river comes to an end (usually when entering the sea) |
Drainage Basin | The area of land drained by a river. |
Watershed | The edge of highland surrounding the drainage basin, usually separates two drainage basins. |
Estuary | The part of a river mouth which is tidal. |
Deposition | A river dropping its load. |
Hydraulic Action | The force of the moving water wears away the banks and bed of the river. |
Abrasion | Small stones carried by the river wear away the banks and bed of the river. |
Attrition | The small stones in the river are worn down and broken up as they hit off each other. |
Solution (erosion) | Rocks, such as limestone, and soils are dissolved by acid in the water. |
Traction | The larger stones are rolled along the bed of the river. |
Saltation | The smaller pebbles are bounced along the bed of the river. |
Suspension | Light material such as sand and silt float along in the water. |
Solution (transportation) | Materials dissolve in the water and are carried along by the river. |