Term
|
Definition
| A form of mechanical weathering that occurs when loose fragments or particles of rocks and minerals that are being transported, as by water or air, collide with each other or scrape the surfaces of stationary rocks. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A triangular deposit of sediment left by a stream that has lost velocity upon entering a broad, relatively flat valley. alluvium |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The lower limit of erosion by a stream. Sea level is the ultimate base level. However, lakes can serve as a temporary base level in upstream areas. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The larger, heavier particles that are being transported by a stream. Instead of being dissolved or suspended, these are being rolled or bounced along, spending at least part of their time in contact with the stream bottom. See also |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the abilitty to carry rocks |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A deposit of sediment that forms where a stream enters a standing body of water such as a lake or ocean. The name is derived from the Greek letter "delta" because these deposits typically have a triangular shape in map view. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The volume of water in a flowing stream that passes a given location in a unit of time. Frequently expressed in cubic feet per second or cubic meters per second. Calculated by the formula Q = A x V where Q is the discharge, A is the cross sectional area of the channel and V is the average velocity of the stream. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A ridge that separates two adjacent drainage basins. |
|
|
Term
drainage basin/watershed [image] |
|
Definition
| The geographic area that contributes runoff to a stream. It can be outlined on a topographic map by tracing the points of highest elevation (usually ridge crests) between two adjacent stream valleys. Also referred to as a "watershed |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| when it rains a lot and the ground doesnt absorb the water |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An area of alluvium-covered, relatively level land along the banks of a stream that is covered with water when the stream leaves its channel during a time of high flo |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A very small channel formed by running water. Gullies hold water for brief periods of time after a rain storm or snow melt. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A long continuous ridge built by people along the banks of a stream to contain the water during times of high flow. Natural levees can also be built along the banks of a stream. When the flood water decelerates upon leaving the channel, sediments quickly drop out of suspension and build a ridge over time. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A stream that has many bends (meanders). This type of drainage pattern usually develops on a nearly level landscape and where the banks of the stream are easily eroded. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Oxbow Lake: A crescent-shaped lake that forms when a meandering stream changes course. Such changes in course frequently occur during flood events when overbank waters erode a new channel. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a hole in the rock were the water and the little rocks wore away at it |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chemical weathering process in which a material is dissolved. Also, the transport of dissolved ions by the water of a stream. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A process of erosion where one stream erodes headward, diverting some of another stream’s drainage into its own channel. Also called stream piracy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A water gap is usually an indication of a river that is older than the current topography. The river likely established its course when the landform was at a low elevation, with a very low stream gradient and a thick layer of unconsolidated sediment. The river therefore established its channel without regard for the deeper layers of rock. |
|
|
