The Basics
Definition of a River
A natural flowing water course, usually fresh water.
Hydraulic action
The force of moving water and dislodging particles from the riverbanks and beds
Traction
When large boulders and rocks roll along the river bed
Define Deposition
The process where a river drops the sediment it is carrying when it loses energy
The Upper Course
The Middle Course
The Lower Course
Origin of rivers
They originate from a source which is usually in a highland or an elevated area and flows through a river channel until it reaches its mouth, which is the end of a river course
Abrasion/Corrasion
The rocks and sediment carried by the river scrape and wear down the riverbanks and beds
Saltation
Small pebbles bounce around the riverbed
Conditions that lead to Deposition
Decrease in the river's velocity
Decrease in discharge
Characteristics of the Upper Course
narrow stream
vertical erosion
high velocity
The four main ways how rivers erode their banks
Hydraulic Action
Abrriasion/Corrasion
Attrition
Solution/Corrosion
Attrition
Rocks and pebbles collide, breaking into smaller and smoother particles
When fine particles such as clay and sand, are carried within the water
Define Discharge
The volume of water flowing in the river
Characteristics of the Middle Course
moderate gradient
lateral (on the sides) erosion
meanders develop and stream widens
moderate velocity
The 4 processes of River Transport
Traction
Saltation
Suspension
Solution
Solution/Corrosion
This is when the water dissolves soluble minerals in rocks, such as limestone.
Solution
Dissolved minerals are transported as part of the chemical composition of the water
Characteristics of the Lower Course
gentle gradient
the river is at its widest and is shallow
significant deposition
low velocity
Function of Rivers
There is a lot of energy in flowing water, which makes rivers excellent at eroding, transporting, and depositing material.
Spanish for jump
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