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Fluvial is used in geography and earth science to refer to the deposits and landforms created by the action of rivers or streams and the processes associated with them. When the stream or rivers are associated with glaciers, ice sheets, or ice caps, the term glaciofluvial is used.1
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Fluvial processes
Erosion by moving water happens in two ways. Firstly the movement of water across the bed has an effect (This is called hydraulic action). Secondly the sediment being transported in the river wears away the bed (Abrasion) and the fragments themselves are ground down becoming smaller and more rounded (Attrition)
The sediment is transported as either bedload (The coarser fragments which move close to the bed) and the suspended load (Finer fragments carried in the water). There is also a component carried as dissolved material.
For each grain size there is a specific velocity at which the grains start to move, called Entrainment velocity. However the grains will continue to be transported even if the velocity falls below the entrainment velocity due to the reduced (or removed) friction between the grains and the river bed. Eventually the velocity will fall low enough for the grains to be deposited. This is shown by the Hjulstorm Curve.
References
- ^ K.K.E. Neuendorf, J.P. Mehl, Jr., and J.A. Jackson, eds., 2005, Glossary of Geology. American Geological Institute, Alexandria, Virginia. 800 pp.
See also
Fluvial processes
This is also related to multistory deposits
Fluvial landforms
- bar
- basin
- confluence
- cutbank
- delta
- flood plain
- gorge and canyon
- gully
- meander
- natural levee
- ox-bow lake
- point bar
- pool
- riffle
- river
- spring
- stream
- stream terrace
- valley and vale
- waterfall
- watershed
(See landform for complete list.)
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 10 November 2008, at 02:36.
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