Freshwater Section 2: Streams Quiz Vocab

Stream

A body of surface water that flows in a defined pathway, or channel.

River

Refers to a body of surface water that is fast/large flowing throughout the land.

Clay

<0.004mm

Silt

0.004 to 0.0625mm

Sand

0.0625 to 2mm

Gravel

2 to 4mm

Pebbles

4 to 64mm

Distributaries

When sediment gradually builds up and causes the stream to split into several smaller channels.

Cut bank

The steep bank on the outer part of a meander where erosion occurs.

Deltas

Landforms formed at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water, typically in a triangular shape.

Deposition

The process in which eroded materials are dropped or settled in a new location.

Erosion

The transport of sediment by natural forces like water, wind, and glaciers.

Gradient

The steepness of a stream channel or slope.

Meander

A winding, looping curve in the course of a river.

Oxbow lake

A U-shaped body of water formed when a meander is cut off from the main river flow.

Point bar

Deposits of sediment build up on the inside bend of a river, forming a shallow area.

Sediment

Particles from weathered rock.

Tributaries

Smaller streams that flow into a larger stream.

Velocity

Speed

V-shaped valleys

Valleys formed by the erosion of flowing water, creating a V shape.

Weathering

The process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces by natural elements such as water, wind, and ice.