Functions Of A River

Hydrological Functions:
1. Rivers are drainage systems that transport water (under the influence of gravity) from higher points to lower points of the topography
  1. Systems are generally fed by precipitation, but don't always drain to oceans - some rivers drain into lakes. Eg. Lake Eyre
2. 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
Geomorphic Functions
1. River systems transport soluble and insoluble materials.
2. 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
  1. Eg. Boulders (in heavy flow), sand, silt, clay (in light flow)
3. 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
Ecological and Scientific functions
1. Rivers are described as linear ecosystems because many life forms depend on life-supporting materials passing through their habitat.
  1. Rapid alterations can upset the balance the balance and lead to irreparable river degradation.
2. A balanced aquatic ecosystem will help maintain good water quality.

Resource summary

	Created by Lauren Spence about 5 years ago