Earth’ Bodies of Water Vocabulary

Tributary A smaller river that feeds into a larger river.

River System A network of a river and its tributaries. A river is a body of water formed by smaller streams coming together. Many of the world’s first settlers settled along rivers.

Drainage Basin The land drained by a river system.

Rift A long, deep valley with mountains or plateaus on either side.

Reservoir A human-made lake (can form behind a human made dam).

Trench A deep ocean valley.

Current A giant stream of ocean water.

Tidal Wave A giant ocean wave.

Tide The regular, rhythmic rise and fall of ocean waters.

Water Cycle The circulation of water from Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back. The water cycle is important because it constantly replaces the supply of fresh water.