Stream Erosion

Front

What is a tributary?

Back

A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream, river, or lake.

Front

What is suspended load in the context of stream erosion?

Back

Suspended load refers to fine sand, silt, or clay particles that are carried within the water column of a stream or river.

Front

Define watershed.

Back

A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular river system or body of water.

Front

How does the slope of a stream affect its speed?

Back

A stream will move slower if it is more flat, as opposed to steeper slopes which increase flow speed.

Front

What happens to the speed of water on the outside of a river bend compared to the inside?

Back

The outside of a river bend moves faster than the inside of the bend.

Front

What is stream erosion?

Back

Stream erosion is the process by which flowing water removes soil and rock from the banks and bed of a stream or river.

Front

What factors influence the rate of stream erosion?

Back

Factors include water velocity, sediment load, stream gradient, and the type of materials in the stream bed.

Front

What is the role of vegetation in stream erosion?

Back

Vegetation helps stabilize stream banks, reducing erosion by holding soil in place with roots.

Front

What is the difference between erosion and deposition in a river system?

Back

Erosion is the removal of soil and rock, while deposition is the accumulation of sediments in a new location.

Front

What is a meander in a river?

Back

A meander is a curve or bend in a river, often formed by the erosion of the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank.