Chapter 14 River Systems and Landforms Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography Robert W....

Chapter 14River Systems and

Landforms

Geosystems 6eAn Introduction to Physical Geography

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen

River Systems and LandformsHydrology – the science of water, its global circulation, distribution, and propertiesFluvial Processes and Landscapes

Fluvial - river  

Streamflow Characteristics  Floods and River Management 

Urban environments increase flood potential 

Fluvial Processes and Landscapes  Fluvial erosion – weathered sediments are transported to new locations by water

Deposition – the process through which materials are laid down by waterAlluvium – unconsolidated rock material deposited by running water

Base Level of Streams  - level below which a stream cannot erode its valley

Base Levels

Figure 14.3

Drainage basin – the catchment area of a watershed

Open system

Continental divide – extensive mountain or highland regions that separate drainage basins

Fluvial Processes and Landscapes  

A Drainage Basin

Figure 14.4

Drainage Basins

Figure 14.5

Streamflow Characteristics  Exotic Streams – A river that originates in a humid region and then flows through an arid region, so discharge decreases with distance

Nile RiverColorado River  

Stream ErosionAbrasion – rock particles suspended in moving water carve the streambed  

Stream Transport Dissolved load – minerals that form a chemical solution in waterSuspended load – pieces of rock suspended in water 

Stream Transport Bed load – coarser materials dragged or pulled along the streambed by moving water

Aggradation – deposition of materials suspended in water

Streamflow Characteristics  

Fluvial Transport

Figure 14.13

Braided Stream

Figure 14.14

Meandering Stream Profile

Figure 14.15

Meandering Stream Development

Figure 14.15

Itkillik River, Alaska

Figure 14.15

Stream Longitudinal Profile

Figure 14.18

Nickpoint

Figure 14.20

Floodplain Features

Figure 14.23

Alluvial Terraces

Figure 14.25

Mississippi River Delta

Figure 14.28

Mississippi River Delta

Figure 14.28Copyright © 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.

Floods and River Management  Rating Floodplain Risk 

Flood – a high water level that overflows the natural riverbank along a portion of the stream 

End of Chapter 14

Geosystems 6eAn Introduction to Physical Geography

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen