The Active River

Front

What formed the Grand Canyon?

Back

Erosion by the Colorado River.

Front

Why do rivers have wider channels than streams?

Back

Rivers carry more water and have more erosive power.

Front

How do rivers change Earth's surface?

Back

By eroding soil and rock, transporting sediment, and depositing it elsewhere.

Front

Why do mature rivers carry a lot of water?

Back

They have a large drainage basin and receive water from many tributaries.

Front

Name three tributaries of the Mississippi River.

Back

Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water.

Front

What is sediment transport?

Back

The movement of solid particles, typically due to water, wind, or ice.

Front

Define a drainage basin.

Back

An area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains into a common outlet.

Front

What is a tributary?

Back

A river or stream that flows into a larger river or lake.

Front

Explain the term 'meander' in relation to rivers.

Back

A meander is a curve or bend in a river, often formed by erosion and sediment deposition.