Hydrology, River Processes and Hazards

These flashcards cover key concepts related to hydrology, drainage basins, river processes, and their associated characteristics.

What is the drainage basin considered as in hydrology?

An open system with inputs, outputs, stores, and transfers.

What are the main inputs in the drainage basin system?

Precipitation including rainfall, snow, and hail.

Name two outputs from the drainage basin.

Evaporation and channel flow.

List two types of stores in a drainage basin.

Atmosphere (clouds) and vegetation (interception).

What two factors influence water movement in a drainage basin?

Size and shape of the drainage basin, and climate conditions.

What is a hydrograph used for?

Reading and interpreting variations in discharge over time.

What are the components of a storm hydrograph?

Rising/falling limbs, peaks, lags, amount and timing of precipitation.

Identify one process of river erosion.

Abrasion or hydraulic action.

How can sediment be transported in a river?

Through traction, saltation, suspension, and solution.

Define 'thalweg' in the context of river flow.

The line of fastest flow in a river.

What landforms can be formed by river deposition processes?

Floodplains and Levées.

According to section 1.3.1, what physical factors affect river discharge and contribute to flood hazards?

The key physical factors include the duration and intensity of precipitation, snowmelt and ice melt, and specific drainage basin characteristics.