Functions Of A River

Functions Of A River

1. Hydrological Functions:

   • Rivers are drainage systems that transport water (under the influence of gravity) from higher points to lower points of the topography
     • Systems are generally fed by precipitation, but don't always drain to oceans - some rivers drain into lakes. Eg. Lake Eyre
   • The water flows in unregulated, or those without dams or weirs, responds directly to precipitation in the catchment; although, there may be considerable rainfall without runoff reaching rivers

2. Geomorphic Functions

   • River systems transport soluble and insoluble materials.
   • Rivers are a part of the mechanism that moves and redistributed many of the products of weathering that breaks down the catchments landforms, and also erodes the river bed and bank
     • Eg. Boulders (in heavy flow), sand, silt, clay (in light flow)
   • The geometry of the river can become unbalanced and the course takes a different path. Landform features remaining after this redirection of floe are referred to as relict features

3. Ecological and Scientific functions

   • Rivers are described as linear ecosystems because many life forms depend on life-supporting materials passing through their habitat.
     • Rapid alterations can upset the balance the balance and lead to irreparable river degradation.
   • A balanced aquatic ecosystem will help maintain good water quality.