Chapter 14 River Systems and Landforms Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography Robert W. Christopherson Charles E. Thomsen

River Systems and Landforms Hydrology – the science of water, its global circulation, distribution, and properties Fluvial Processes and Landscapes Fluvial - river   Streamflow Characteristics   Floods and River Management  Urban environments increase flood potential 

Fluvial Processes and Landscapes Fluvial erosion – weathered sediments are transported to new locations by water Deposition – the process through which materials are laid down by water Alluvium – unconsolidated rock material deposited by running water Base Level of Streams  - level below which a stream cannot erode its valley

Base Levels Figure 14.3

Fluvial Processes and Landscapes Drainage basin – the catchment area of a watershed Open system Continental divide – extensive mountain or highland regions that separate drainage basins

A Drainage Basin Figure 14.4

Drainage Basins Figure 14.5

Streamflow Characteristics Exotic Streams – A river that originates in a humid region and then flows through an arid region, so discharge decreases with distance Nile River Colorado River   Stream Erosion Abrasion – rock particles suspended in moving water carve the streambed   Stream Transport  Dissolved load – minerals that form a chemical solution in water Suspended load – pieces of rock suspended in water 

Streamflow Characteristics Stream Transport  Bed load – coarser materials dragged or pulled along the streambed by moving water Aggradation – deposition of materials suspended in water

Fluvial Transport Figure 14.13

Braided Stream Figure 14.14

Meandering Stream Profile Figure 14.15

Meandering Stream Development Figure 14.15

Itkillik River, Alaska Figure 14.15

Stream Longitudinal Profile Figure 14.18

Nickpoint Figure 14.20

Floodplain Features Figure 14.23

Alluvial Terraces Figure 14.25

Mississippi River Delta Figure 14.28

Mississippi River Delta Copyright © 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc. Figure 14.28

Floods and River Management Rating Floodplain Risk  Flood – a high water level that overflows the natural riverbank along a portion of the stream 

Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography End of Chapter 14 Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography Robert W. Christopherson Charles E. Thomsen