Geography 55-84

levee

• a wall of earth built to prevent a river from flooding its banks.

• a type of fish found in rivers.

• a structure used to measure rainfall.

• a method of irrigation for crops.

Bankfull discharge

• maximum discharge that a river can hold before it bursts its banks.

• the average flow of a river during dry seasons.

• the minimum flow required for a river to sustain aquatic life.

• the total volume of water in a river at any given time.

arch

• a natural rock that has a curved shape.

• a type of bridge made of steel.

• a structure that supports a roof.

• a geological formation with sharp edges.

alluvium

• the sorted material deposited by a stream.

• a type of sedimentary rock formed from volcanic ash.

• a mineral found in igneous rocks.

• a layer of soil that is rich in organic matter.

Bay

• part of a large body of water that is smaller than a gulf.

• a large body of water surrounded by land.

• a narrow body of water between two land masses.

• a small stream or river that flows into a larger body of water.

oxbow lake

• A type of fish found in rivers.

• A meander that has been cut off from the river.

• A lake formed by glacial activity.

• A lake that is artificially created for irrigation.

Sand Spits

• Long narrow accumulations of sand/shingle deposited by longshore drift.

• Large rocky formations that rise abruptly from the sea floor.

• Wide flat areas of sand that are constantly eroded by waves.

• Circular formations of sand created by tidal movements.

headland

• A part of the shore that sticks out into the ocean.

• A type of marine animal found in coastal waters.

• A geological formation made entirely of sand.

• A structure built to protect the shore from erosion.

longshore drift

• The movement of water and sediment down a beach caused by waves coming in to shore at an angle.

• The process of sediment being carried away from the shore by strong currents.

• The action of waves breaking directly onto the beach, causing erosion.

• The transportation of sand along the beach by wind.

mangrove swamps

• Coastal wetlands that are widespread across tropical regions.

• Freshwater lakes found in temperate regions.

• Deserts characterized by sandy soil and sparse vegetation.

• Mountainous areas with coniferous forests.