Rivers

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Drainage basin
the area of land drained by a river
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Catchment area
the area within the drainage basin.
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Watershed
the edge of highland surrounding a drainage basin. It marks the boundary between two drainage basins.
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Source
The beginning or start of a river.
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Confluence
the point at which two rivers or streams join.
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Tributary
a stream or smaller river which joins a larger stream or river.
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Mouth
the point where the river comes to the end, usually when entering a sea.
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vertical erosion
cuts down towards the river bed and carves out steep-sided V-shaped valleys.
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discharge
amount of water flowing
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Hydraulic action
the force of the river against the banks can cause air to be trapped in cracks and crevices. The pressure weakens the banks and gradually wears it away.
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Abrasion
rocks carried along by the river wear down the river bed and banks.
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Attrition
rocks being carried by the river smash together and break into smaller, smoother and rounder particles.
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Solution (erosion)
soluble particles are dissolved into the river.
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Solution (transport)
minerals are dissolved in the water and carried along in solution.
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Suspension
fine light material is carried along in the water.
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Saltation
small pebbles and stones are bounced along the river bed.
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Traction
large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed.
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Deposition
Deposition may take place when a river enters an area of shallow water or when the volume of water decreases - for example, after a flood or during times of drought. Deposition is common towards the end of a river's journey, at the mouth. Deposition
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

the area within the drainage basin.

Back

Catchment area

Card 3

Front

the edge of highland surrounding a drainage basin. It marks the boundary between two drainage basins.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

The beginning or start of a river.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

the point at which two rivers or streams join.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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