Fluvial Processes and Weathering

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fluvial processes, erosion, weathering, and landforms.

Fluvial Processes

Processes involving water flowing across the surface, including overland flow and stream flow.

Erosion

The process of wearing down rocks and removing debris from the Earth's surface.

Deposition

The process where material is left behind after being transported by water or wind.

Denudation

The wearing down of rocks and landforms due to erosion and weathering.

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles through mechanical, chemical, and biological means.

Mechanical Weathering

The physical breaking apart of rocks without changing their chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

The alteration of the chemical composition of minerals, typically making them weaker.

Biological Weathering

Weathering that results from the activities of living organisms, like plant roots and burrowing animals.

Mass Movement

The downward movement of materials due to gravity.

Angle of Repose

The steepest angle at which loose material remains stable, affected by gravity and friction.

Accelerated Erosion

Increased rate of soil erosion caused by human activities such as deforestation.

Alluvium

Sediments deposited by flowing water, commonly found in riverbeds.

Oxbow Lake

A U-shaped lake formed when a meander in a river is cut off.

Wetlands

Saturated areas that support diverse ecosystems and can filter pollutants.

Estuaries

Where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Hydraulic Action

The process where flowing water dislodges and removes material from the riverbed.