Identifying Parts of a River
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Parts of a River
[Diagram showing a river system with seven empty boxes and arrows pointing to various parts of the river and its drainage basin for the student to fill in.]
This question includes visual content: A 3D perspective diagram illustrating a river drainage basin from the highland source to the lowland mouth. The diagram includes seven empty rectangular label boxes with arrows pointing to specific geographical features: 1. The ridge defining the drainage basin (watershed/divide). 2. The area where the river begins (source/headwaters). 3. A smaller stream joining the main river (tributary). 4. A point where two streams meet (confluence). 5. A curve in the river (meander). 6. The main river channel. 7. The area where the river enters a larger body of water (mouth/delta). The text 'Parts of a River' is written vertically on the right side of the frame.
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Step by Step Written Solution
Let's identify the various parts of a river system shown in this diagram. A river has distinct features from its beginning in high ground to its final entry into a larger body of water.
Parts of a River System
At the very top, look at the dotted line along the ridge of the mountains. This represents the boundary between drainage basins, commonly known as a watershed or divide.
1. Watershed (or Drainage Divide)
Now, look at where the river begins in the highlands. The start of a river is called the source. Often, these are springs or melting snow in mountainous areas.
2. Source
As the water flows downhill, smaller streams join the main river. These smaller streams are called tributaries. Each tributary adds more water to the main channel.
3. Tributary
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