Grade 12 Geography: Geomorphology Self Study Guide

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the Grade 12 Geography Self Study Guide on Geomorphology.

Drainage Basin

The area through which a river system flows.

Catchment Area

The collection area of rainwater in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

River System

The mainstream and its tributaries.

Tributary

A river or stream flowing into a larger river.

Confluence

The junction of two rivers or streams.

Watershed

A high lying area that separates drainage basins.

Interfluve

A high lying area that separates tributaries in a drainage basin.

Source

The place where the river begins.

River Mouth

The part of the river where it flows into another river, lake, sea, or ocean.

Ground Water

Water located underneath the earth's surface.

Through Flow

The lateral flow of water in the soil zone.

Water Table

The upper level of ground water.

Infiltration

When water soaks or filters into the soil.

Drainage Density

The measure of the length of stream channels per unit area of drainage basin.

Fluvial Processes

The physical interaction of flowing water and the natural channels of rivers and streams.

River Grading

The balance/equilibrium between the rate of erosion and the rate of deposition.

Stream Order

Classification of a river system based on the hierarchy of its tributaries.

Oxbow Lake

A cut-off meander loop filled with water.

Braided Stream

A stream consisting of multiple small, shallow channels that divide and recombine.