River Terminology (0460)

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Source

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The beginning of a river, usually in high land.

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Mouth

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The point where a river flows into a sea or lake.

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Tributary

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A smaller river that joins a main river.

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Confluence

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The point where two rivers meet.

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Watershed

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The boundary dividing two drainage basins.

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Drainage Basin

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The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries.

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Channel

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The physical pathway through which a river flows.

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River Discharge

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The amount of water flowing in a river (measured in cumecs).

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Erosion

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The wearing away of river banks and beds by water.

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Attrition

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Rocks in the river knock together and break into smaller pieces.