3_6_Rivers2

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to rivers and sedimentation.

Bankfull Discharge

The discharge when a river channel is full and begins to overflow its banks, correlated with channel forming discharge.

Channel Forming Discharge

The flow that carves out river channels and transports the most sediment and bed material.

Effective Discharge

The peak discharge that transports the most sediment across a range of flows, occurring roughly every 1-2 years.

Incision

Erosion of the riverbed which occurs when effective discharge decreases and sediment supply is low.

Aggradation

Deposition of sediment in a river channel which occurs when sediment supply increases.

Alluvial River

A river whose shape and course are determined by sediment deposition and transport.

Bedrock River

A river that incises directly into bedrock, with sediment deposits having little effect on its form.

Potholes

Depressions formed in bedrock by the abrasion of sediment during high-energy flows.

Meandering River

A river characterized by snake-like curves, typically found in stable conditions.

Braided River

A type of river that consists of multiple channels separated by bars of sediment, typically found in high sediment supply.

Discharge Variability

Fluctuations in river discharge which can significantly affect river morphology and ecology.

Suspended Sediment

Sediment particles that are carried in the water column and are not in contact with the riverbed.

Grain Size

The measurement of the diameter of sediment particles; affects river morphology and transport dynamics.

Levees

Natural or artificial embankments along a river designed to prevent flooding and control river migration.

Dams

Structures built to block river flow, which can impact sediment supply and river ecosystems.

Hydraulic Plucking

The erosion process where loose and fractured rock blocks are removed by flowing water.

Abrasion

A process where sediment particles grind against rock surfaces, contributing to erosion.