26 Questions
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?
A channel is a clearly defined path along which a body of water, carrying rock particles and dissolved ions, flows down slope.
What do rivers and waterways transport to new locations?
Rivers and waterways transport the by-products of weathering, mass movement, and erosion to new locations for deposition.
What is the Latin origin of the term 'fluvial' and what does it mean?
Fluvial comes from the Latin word 'fluvius' meaning river.
What is the deepest level to which a stream can erode its bed called?
Base level
What is the lowest possible level of downcutting for most streams?
Sea level
What is the term for the spatial geomorphic unit occupied by a river system?
Drainage basin
What is the function of a stream's velocity in relation to its ability to move particles of specific size?
Stream competence
What is the term for the total possible load that a stream can transport?
Stream capacity
What is the term for the dissolved load of a stream, especially the chemical solution derived from minerals?
Solution
What is the term for the fine particles physically held in suspension in the stream?
Suspended load
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?
Bed load
At what speed does a slow stream typically flow?
0.25 to 0.5 meter per second
At what speed does a fast stream typically flow?
7 meters per second
What is the fundamental role of rivers and waterways in soil formation and plant growth?
Transporting mineral nutrients important for soil formation and plant growth
Define fluvial processes and explain their significance in the context of river systems.
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.
What distinguishes a stream from a river in terms of size and characteristics?
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.
Explain the concept of watershed in the context of river systems and their tributaries.
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.
What is the significance of the Latin origin of the term 'fluvial' in understanding river systems and related processes?
The term 'fluvial' originates from Latin, meaning 'river', and it emphasizes the importance of understanding stream-related processes and their impact on landscapes.
What is the term for the temporary level to which a stream can erode its bed, such as when it enters a lake?
Temporary base level
What is the term for the spatial geomorphic unit occupied by a river system?
Drainage basin
What is the term for the stream's ability to move particles of specific size, as a function of its velocity?
Stream competence
What is the term for the total possible load that a stream can transport?
Stream capacity
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?
Bed load
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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