Chapter 10

o The Hydrological cycle

o The River System o The Drainage Basin o Features formed by Rivers o Identifying River features on topo maps o How do rivers affect people?

Distribution of Water on the Earth

Almost three-quarters of the Earths surface is covered with water
Fresh water (3%) Salt water (97%)

Fresh water

Glaciers, ice sheets (70%)

Groundwater (29%) Seas, lakes, rivers (1%)

The Hydrologic Cycle

Continuous movement of water from the Earths surface into the air, and back onto the Earth Water changes state at each stage of the cycle Processes occur at the same time
Condensation Evaporation: Heat from the Sun causes water to change to water vapour Rainfall

Transpiration: Water vapour given out by plants

The Hydrologic Cycle

Condensation: Water vapour cools and changes into water droplets Rainfall: Water droplets fall as rain or snow Rain flows on the Earths surface as runoff or seeps into the Earth to be stored as groundwater
1 Clouds form when water vapour condenses to form water droplets
2 Water droplets combine to form bigger water droplets

3 Water droplets get bigger and heavier 4 When the water droplets become too heavy to float, they fall as rain or snow

 A River is a body of water flowing in a channel. The place where a river begins is called a river source.

Due to gravity a river flows downhill from its source

The streams and rivers that join a main river are known as its tributaries. The river ends when it flows into a lake or sea. This is known as the river mouth.

River source Tributaries River mouth

Upper course

Middle course Lower course

A river is a body of water that flows in a channel. Aided by gravity, it always flows downhill from its source. A river can be divided into three sections the upper, middle and lower courses.

1. Rivers drain the surrounding land by collecting the surface runoff and directing it to the lakes and seas. 2. The area that is drained by a river and its tributaries is called the drainage basin.
3. Watershed is an imaginary line that separates one drainage basin from another.

The Drainage Basin

The area drained by a river and its tributaries

River source

Tributary Drainage basin

Watershed River

River mouth

River System

Rivers Features: 1. Valleys

Refer to the low area between hills or mountains The shape of a valley depends on how the river cuts into the land

A river cutting through a valley

Rivers Features: 2. Waterfalls

A waterfall is formed when a river flows over alternating bands of rocks of differing resistance As the river flows, the less resistant or softer rock is eroded much faster than the more resistant or harder rock This results in a steep change in gradient resulting in a vertical drop of water known as a waterfall The force of the water is so great that it cuts a depression or plunge pool at the base of the water fall

NIAGARA FALLS

3. Meanders
As a river flows over flat land, it forms curves and bends which become more and more noticeable along the river course.

These bends are called meanders

Meanders are formed when the river erodes sideways and deposits the sediments it is carrying on the opp side.

Meandering System of Rivers

TB PG 120

4. Floodplains
As a river flows through a flat valley, it deposits most of the sediments it is carrying. As a result, the bottom of the river bed is raised Whenever it rains heavily, the river will overflow its banks and flood the surrounding low-lying land. This land is called a floodplain

TB PG 120

5. Deltas
At the river mouth, the river deposits its sediments into a lake or sea. There, the sediments build up slowly and obstruct the flow of the river to the sea. When this happens. The river has to flow along alternative channels called distributaries.

Tributaries join a river but distributaries branch out from a river.

When layers of sediments have been deposited at the river mouth, a delta is formed.

Diagram of Delta

Delta

How do Rivers Affect People?

Positive Impact of Rivers Water supply for farming Rivers are a important source of water for growing crops. Fertile soil for farming When a river floods its banks, it helps to deposit sediments that help increase the fertility of the soil Farmers plant their crops along the river course Source of drinking water and food

How do Rivers Affect People?

Production of hydroelectric power Rivers are a source of electricity A lot of energy is produced when water moves quickly in a river This energy can be converted into electricity Means of transport Water supply for industry 23% of all water drawn by people is used in industries Recreation and tourism Swimming, fishing, sailing, etc

How do Rivers Affect People?

Negative Impact of Rivers Floods can cause the loss of lives and property Flooding happens when the water in a river overflows its banks

Photo 10-3 The satellite image captures a stretch of the Yangtze River and its tributaries. The red portions indicate areas with vegetation. Inset (yellow box) shows the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam.