RIVERS

FLASHCARDS

Approximately 2.5% of water on Earth is freshwater

Define the term hydrological cycle.

The hydrological cycle is a closed system where water is constantly recycled through stores and transfers

True or False?

The hydrological cycle is an open system.

False.

The hydrological cycle is a closed system.

What is an aquifer?

An aquifer is a permeable rock such as limestone or sandstone which can hold water

Define the term evapotranspiration.

Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation from the Earth's surface and transpiration from vegetation.

What is the difference between infiltration and percolation?

Infiltration is water moving from the surface into the soil, while percolation is water moving through the soil after infiltration

True or False?

Overland flow occurs under the surface of the land.

False.

Overland flow occurs on the surface of the land.

What is interception?

Interception is how precipitation is prevented from reaching the ground, usually by being caught on leaves or branches

Define the term groundwater flow.

Groundwater flow is the movement of water through rocks.

What is through flow?

Through flow is the lateral movement of water within the soil.

What is a drainage basin?

A drainage basin is an open system that drains all the water which lands on the Earth's surface. Every drainage basin is covered by a network of tributaries which connect to a main river channel.

Define the term watershed.

A watershed is the boundary between two drainage basins.

What is a confluence?

A confluence is where two rivers or streams join together.

True or False?

Every drainage basin is unique.

True.

Every drainage basin is unique.

What is a tributary?

A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger stream or main river.

Define the term drainage density.

Drainage density refers to the number of tributaries in a drainage basin. To calculate the drainage density the area of drainage basin is divided by the number of tributaries.

True or False?

Drainage basins with lots of tributaries have a low drainage density.

False.

Drainage basins with lots of tributaries have a high drainage density.

What is the mouth of a river?

The mouth of a river is where the river enters the sea/lake.

What are the four types of erosion in rivers?

The four types of erosion in rivers are:

Hydraulic action.

Abrasion.

Attrition.

Corrosion (solution).

Define the term hydraulic action.