River Geomorphology and Landscape Evolution

Straight river channels are relatively rare in nature. Meandering, braided, and anabranching channels are more common.

Erosion is the process by which a river wears away its bed and banks. Deposition is the process by which sediment is deposited on the riverbed. Transportation is the process by which sediment is carried downstream by the river. Meandering is the process by which a river forms sinuous bends.

Sandbars are landforms created by river deposition, not erosion. Floodplains, meanders, and oxbow lakes are all landforms created by river erosion.

Deposition is the process by which a river deposits sediment on its floodplain. Erosion is the process by which a river wears away its bed and banks. Transportation is the process by which sediment is carried downstream by the river. Meandering is the process by which a river forms sinuous bends.

Climate is not a direct factor that influences river channel morphology. Discharge, slope, and sediment load are all direct factors that influence river channel morphology.

Avulsion is the process by which a river changes its course over time. Erosion is the process by which a river wears away its bed and banks. Transportation is the process by which sediment is carried downstream by the river. Deposition is the process by which sediment is deposited on the riverbed.

Pediment terraces are not a type of river terrace. Floodplain terraces, abandoned floodplain terraces, and strath terraces are all types of river terraces.

Deposition is the process by which a river forms a delta. Erosion is the process by which a river wears away its bed and banks. Transportation is the process by which sediment is carried downstream by the river. Avulsion is the process by which a river changes its course over time.

Lacustrine deltas are not a type of river delta. Arcuate deltas, birdfoot deltas, and estuarine deltas are all types of river deltas.

Headward erosion is the process by which a river erodes its headwaters. Lateral erosion is the process by which a river erodes its banks. Vertical erosion is the process by which a river erodes its bed. Downstream erosion is the process by which a river erodes its downstream reaches.

Braided meanders are not a type of river meander. Sinuous meanders, cutoff meanders, and oxbow lakes are all types of river meanders.

Avulsion is the process by which a river forms an oxbow lake. Erosion is the process by which a river wears away its bed and banks. Transportation is the process by which sediment is carried downstream by the river. Deposition is the process by which sediment is deposited on the riverbed.

Perched floodplains are not a type of river floodplain. Active floodplains, abandoned floodplains, and incised floodplains are all types of river floodplains.

Erosion is the process by which a river erodes its bed and banks due to the force of gravity. Transportation is the process by which sediment is carried downstream by the river. Deposition is the process by which sediment is deposited on the riverbed. Avulsion is the process by which a river changes its course over time.

Straight channels are not a type of river channel. Meandering channels, braided channels, and anabranching channels are all types of river channels.