Earth Science: Water Properties and River Systems

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on water properties, NGSS Earth Science standards, river dynamics, erosion/deposition, and ecosystem features.

HS-ESS2-6

A standard focusing on developing a model to show the cycling of carbon between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere under the concept of Energy and Matter.

HS-ESS2-5

A standard focusing on planning and conducting an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and processes under Structure and Function.

HS-ESS2-7

A standard focusing on constructing an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth's systems and life on Earth under Stability and Change.

River Meander Formation

The process where a river curves over time because erosion makes the river expand, causing eroded particles to move and deposit on one side.

Cut Bank (Erosion Side)

The outer curve of a river where water moves faster, eroding larger and heavy particles.

Point Bar (Deposition Side)

The inner curve of a river where water moves slower, allowing lighter and finer particles to settle.

Water Polarity in Erosion

A molecular property of water that increases the rate of erosion through cohesion.

Soil Adhesion

A property that varies among different soil types and directly affects rates of erosion and overall river characteristics.

River Ecosystem Layout

A diagram illustrating the key features of a river system, including headwaters, meanders, oxbow lake, delta, floodplain, and sediment loads.

Headwaters

The source or upper portion of a river system.

Oxbow Lake

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

Delta

A landform created by deposition of sediment at the mouth of a river as it enters a slower-moving or standing body of water.

Bedload

Heavy sediment particles, such as pebbles, that move along the bottom of the river bed.

Suspended Load

Fine, light particles carried within the water column of a river.

Dissolved Load

Soluble materials carried in solution by a river.