Week 10: SII3014/SIG3004 Lecture on River System & Flood
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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental importance of rivers and waterways throughout human history?

Receive, dilute, and transport wastes; redistribute mineral nutrients important for soil formation and plant growth.

Define fluvial processes.

Fluvial processes refer to stream-related processes involving the transport of weathered and wasted sediments to new locations, where they are deposited.

What is the difference between a stream and a river?

A stream is a smaller body of water that flows through a channel, while a river is a larger, permanent body of water usually fed by tributaries and with a large watershed.

What is meant by the term 'channel' in the context of rivers and waterways?

<p>A channel is a clearly defined path along which a body of water, carrying rock particles and dissolved ions, flows down slope.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do rivers and waterways transport to new locations?

<p>Rivers and waterways transport the by-products of weathering, mass movement, and erosion to new locations for deposition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Latin origin of the term 'fluvial' and what does it mean?

<p>Fluvial comes from the Latin word 'fluvius' meaning river.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the deepest level to which a stream can erode its bed called?

<p>Base level</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest possible level of downcutting for most streams?

<p>Sea level</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the spatial geomorphic unit occupied by a river system?

<p>Drainage basin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a stream's velocity in relation to its ability to move particles of specific size?

<p>Stream competence</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the total possible load that a stream can transport?

<p>Stream capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the dissolved load of a stream, especially the chemical solution derived from minerals?

<p>Solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the fine particles physically held in suspension in the stream?

<p>Suspended load</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the coarser materials that are dragged along the bed of the stream by traction or are rolled and bounced along by saltation?

<p>Bed load</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what speed does a slow stream typically flow?

<p>0.25 to 0.5 meter per second</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what speed does a fast stream typically flow?

<p>7 meters per second</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental role of rivers and waterways in soil formation and plant growth?

<p>Transporting mineral nutrients important for soil formation and plant growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define fluvial processes and explain their significance in the context of river systems.

<p>Fluvial processes refer to stream-related processes and are important for supplying weathered and wasted sediments for transport to new locations, where they are deposited.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a stream from a river in terms of size and characteristics?

<p>Stream is a smaller body of water that flows through a channel, while a river is a larger, permanent body of water with a larger watershed and is typically fed by tributaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of watershed in the context of river systems and their tributaries.

<p>A watershed refers to the area drained by a river and its tributaries, and it plays a significant role in the water cycle and distribution of water resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Latin origin of the term 'fluvial' in understanding river systems and related processes?

<p>The term 'fluvial' originates from Latin, meaning 'river', and it emphasizes the importance of understanding stream-related processes and their impact on landscapes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the temporary level to which a stream can erode its bed, such as when it enters a lake?

<p>Temporary base level</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the spatial geomorphic unit occupied by a river system?

<p>Drainage basin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the stream's ability to move particles of specific size, as a function of its velocity?

<p>Stream competence</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the total possible load that a stream can transport?

<p>Stream capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the coarser materials that are dragged along the bed of the stream by traction or are rolled and bounced along by saltation?

<p>Bed load</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Rivers and Waterways

  • Vital to human civilization for transportation, trade, and agriculture.
  • Serve as natural borders and sources of fresh water.
  • Influence climate, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

Fluvial Processes

  • Define processes involving the movement of water and sediment through river systems.
  • Significant for shaping landscapes, creating valleys, and supporting ecosystems.

Streams vs Rivers

  • Streams are smaller, typically shorter water channels compared to rivers.
  • Rivers generally have a larger discharge and flow over longer distances.

Channel Definition

  • Refers to the physical confines of a river or stream where water flows.
  • Includes both banks and the bed that contain the moving water.

Transportation of Materials

  • Rivers carry sediments, nutrients, organic material, and pollutants to new locations.
  • Crucial for ecosystem health and soil fertility in downstream areas.

Origin of 'Fluvial'

  • Derived from Latin "fluvialis," meaning "of a river."
  • Reflects the relationship between rivers and surrounding environments.

Erosion Depth

  • The deepest level a stream can erode its bed is called the base level.
  • Represents a limit to how deep a stream can cut into its landscape.

Downcutting Limit

  • The lowest level most streams can reach is known as the ultimate base level.
  • Determined by the level of the body of water into which the stream flows.

Geomorphic Unit

  • The spatial geomorphic unit occupied by a river system is termed a watershed or drainage basin.
  • Encompasses all land area that drains into a particular waterway.

Stream Velocity Function

  • Stream velocity impacts its capability to transport particles based on size.
  • Faster water can move larger particles, while slower streams can only carry finer materials.

Total Load Capacity

  • Total possible load a stream can transport is termed its sediment load.
  • Influenced by stream velocity, volume, and sediment availability.

Dissolved Load

  • Refers to the portion of stream load consisting of dissolved minerals and nutrients.
  • Important for water chemistry and ecosystem health.

Suspended Load

  • Comprises fine particles that remain suspended in the water column.
  • Typically includes silt and clay, impacting water clarity and quality.

Traction and Saltation

  • Coarser materials moved along a stream bed by traction are dragged or rolled.
  • Saltation describes the bouncing movement of these particles due to water flow.

Stream Speed

  • Slow streams typically flow at speeds less than 1 meter per second.
  • Fast streams can exceed speeds of 2 to 3 meters per second.

Role in Soil Formation and Plant Growth

  • Rivers and waterways contribute to soil formation by depositing nutrient-rich sediments.
  • Essential for sustaining vegetation and agricultural practices in floodplains.

Concept of Watershed

  • A watershed is the area of land that collects and drains water to a common water body.
  • Important for managing water resources and protecting water quality.

Temporary Erosion Level

  • The temporary level to which a stream can erode its bed is called the local base level.
  • Influenced by changes in water body levels, like entering a lake or reservoir.

Particle Movement Ability

  • The term for a stream's ability to move particles based on velocity is competence.
  • Strongly correlated with the stream's discharge and flow dynamics.

Coarser Materials Movement

  • Coarser materials moved by traction or saltation are often referred to as bed load.
  • Integral in shaping streambeds and influencing habitat conditions.

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Description

This quiz covers the lecture material on Earth's rivers and waterways, focusing on their network, role in transporting by-products of weathering, erosion, and more, as well as their significance throughout human history.

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