Study Guide Chapter 17 1.Know and use the simple equation for discharge. Why is this equation important? 2.What is the gradient of a stream? 3.Describe the means of stream transportation. Describe the type of material transported by each load type. 4.Describe the features of upper, middle, and lower course of a river. 5.Describe the 6 patterns that streams form and how these patterns are formed. 6.Be able to distinguish stream order on a topographic map. What are the differences between a first order stream and second order stream. 7. What is drainage density 8. Interpret a hydrograph. 9. What is a yazoo stream, oxbow lake, delta, and levee? 10. Describe a drainage basin/watershed, interfluve, and divide.
Fluvial Processes and Landforms Stream is a general term for water in a channel. We call a large stream a river. Fluvial processes are any work done by a stream. Gradient of stream is the vertical drop.
A Drainage Basin/Watershed- Land surface drained by a stream system Line of demarcation Higher ground between valleys
Stream flow Discharge- The amount of water passing a particular point per unit time. Q= AXV where Q is discharge in ft 3 /sec CFS (cubic feet per second), A is the cross sectional area of the stream ft 2, and V is the velocity of the stream ft/sec A= width (ft. ) X depth of stream (ft.) Gauging stations (Fig. 17.6) maintained by Department of Public Works or USGS.
Stream Transportation Figure Dissolved Load Finer particles Gravel or pebbles
Stream Transportation Upper course –More gradient and more energy –V shaped valleys formed from erosion (Fig ) Middle Course –Meandering of stream –Reduced gradient/decreased energy Lower Course –Vast floodplain. –Yazoo stream, oxbow lake, delta, Levee
Zones of a River Rain and snow Source Zone Water Sediment Lake GlacierRapids Waterfall Tributary Flood plain Oxbow lake Salt marsh Delta Ocean Deposited sediment Transition Zone/Middle Zone Flood-Plain Zone Fig. 7.17, p. 168 Upper Course Lower course
Upper Course
Floodplain Features/Lower course of River Figure Parallel to main river levee
Nile River Delta Figure Triangular arc shape
Fig. 17-7, p. 476
Fig. 17-5, p. 475 Stream ordering
Fig. 17-8, p. 477 Drainage Patterns