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BSS ESC 11 CH 8-12 vocab
ch. 10
21
Science
11th Grade
12/10/2008

Additional Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term

Abrasion

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Definition
 Mechanical scraping of a rock surface by friction between rocks and moving particles during their transport in wind, glacier ect.
Term

 

 

Alluvial fan.

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Definition
Alluvial fans are fan-shaped deposits of water-transported material
Term

base level

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Definition
The base level of a river or stream is the lowest point to which it can flow,
Term

bed load

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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: load, suspended load, dissolved load.
Term

carrying power

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Definition

THe force of which rocks and sediments are carried down running water.

 

Term

Delta

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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

Discharge

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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

Divide

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Definition
A ridge that separates two adjacent drainage basins.
Term

drainage basin or watershed

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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. The watershed of a large river usually contains the watersheds of many smaller streams. Also referred to as a "drainage basin".
Term

flash flood

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Definition
A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas - washes, rivers and streams.
Term

flood plain

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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 flow.
Term

Gully

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Definition
A gully is a landform created by running water eroding sharply into soil, typically on a hillside.
Term

headward erosion

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Definition
Headward erosion is a fluvial process of erosion that lengthens a stream, a valley or a gully at its head and also enlarges its drainage.
Term

Levees

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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

Meanders

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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

Oxbow lake

 

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Definition
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
Pothole
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Definition
A cylindrical or hemispherical hold in the bedrock of a stream that is formed from the continual swirling motion of sand and gravel by swirling currents.
Term
solution
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Definition
A chemical weathering process in which a material is dissolved. Also, the transport of dissolved ions by the water of a stream.
Term

stream piracy

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Definition
 or stream piracy is a geomorphological phenomenon occurring when a stream or river drainage system
Term

Suspension

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Definition
Transport of sediment by wind or water currents that are strong enough to keep the sediment particles continuously above the stream bottom or ground. (See traction and saltation for comparison.)
Term

water gap

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Definition
A water gap is an opening or notch which flowing water has carved through a mountain range.
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