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

2. 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 

3. 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

4. Base Levels
Figure 14.3

5. 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

6. A Drainage Basin
Figure 14.4

7. Drainage Basins
Figure 14.5

8. 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 

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

10. Fluvial Transport
Figure

11. Braided Stream
Figure

12. Meandering Stream Profile
Figure

13. Meandering Stream Development
Figure

14. Itkillik River, Alaska
Figure

15. Stream Longitudinal Profile
Figure

16. Nickpoint
Figure 14.20

17. Floodplain Features
Figure

18. Alluvial Terraces
Figure

19. Mississippi River Delta
Figure 14.28

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

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

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