XII. Fluvial Landforms

A. Basics

  1. discharge= area x velocity = volume/time
  2. energy:
    1. gradient = vertical/horizontal,
    2. channel shape,
    3. channel roughness,
    4. vegetation

B. Erosion - high energy

  1. mechanisms
    1. hydraulic action
    2. abrasion
    3. corrosion (dissolution)
  2. effects
    1. downward erosion, V-shaped valleys
    2. lateral erosion (fig. 16-18)
    3. headward erosion (fig. 16-20, 16-21)

C. Deposition - loss of energy (alluvium)

  1. delta - stream meets calm water (usually ocean)
  2. alluvial fan - abrupt change in gradient
  3. flood plain and levee (fig. 16-26, 16-27)
  4. meandering stream (fig. 16-17)
    1. point bar
    2. cut bank
    3. oxbow lake (fig. 16-25)
  5. braided stream - longitudinal bar (fig. 16-14)

D. Drainage patterns (focus box pages 466-467)

  1. dendritic
  2. trellis
  3. radial
  4. centripital

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