EARTH SCIENCE 9-4 What are rivers and streams?

Pg1
OBJ: Describe the three stages in the life cycle of a river or stream.

I. What is a River? - a large, natural channel containing flowing water.

- river water flows downhill because of the force of
gravity.
- runoff from rainwater
- streams that flow into it.
- groundwater from spring
- melting snow

II. The Stages of a River -3 stages of development.

- Youthful
- Mature
- Old
- it depends on how fast the water is flowing and how
steep the slope is that it is on

III. Youthful Rivers - has a steep slope and fast-moving water.

- these rivers tend to erode the riverbed, or bottom,
and forms a narrow V-shaped valley.
Features - rapids and waterfalls
RAPID = part of a river where thee current is swift.
WATERFALL = steep fall of water, as a stream, from a height.
Example - Yellowstone River and Niagara River

IV. Mature Rivers - waters move slower than a youthful river.

- is on a shallower slope.
- no rapids or waterfalls.
- erosion widens the river and the valley floor.
- this river tends to meander
MEANDER = to wind back and forth in loops.
Example - Missouri River and the Ohio River