NOTE: If you can read this, then you have not entered our site from the proper entry point! In order for all links to function properly, you must start by clicking here.
As a river meanders it sometimes carves a larger channel for itself across a sizeable plain. This image shows a river in its present form, as well as the entire channel it may use, when it is carrying more water and is in flood stage. The plain which the river meanders across is called a floodplain. The river deposits sediments, sand, and silt which it is carrying downstream on the floodplain, before dumping its load at its final destination, the ocean.
Another image which shows a river and its floodplain is shown here, and more can be found in the Rivers Image Archive, below.
Quickie Question:
What causes flash floods?
Return to the
Water Cycle
As a river meanders, it jumps its banks. This action causes it to carve a larger channel for itself across a sizeable plain. This image shows a river in its present form, as well as the entire channel it may use, when it is carrying more water and is in flood stage. The plain which the river meanders across is called a floodplain. The river deposits sediments, sand, and silt which it is carrying downstream on the floodplain, before dumping its load at its final destination, the ocean.
Another image which shows a river and its floodplain is shown here, and more can be found in the Rivers Image Archive, below.
Quickie Question:
What causes flash floods?
Return to the
Water Cycle
As a river meanders, it jumps its banks. This action causes the river to carve a larger channel for itself across a sizeable plain. This image shows a river in its present form, as well as the entire channel it may use, when it is carrying more water and is in flood stage. The plain which the river meanders across is called a floodplain. The river deposits sediments, sand, and silt which it is carrying downstream on the floodplain, before dumping its load at its final destination, the ocean.
Another image which shows a river and its floodplain is shown here, and more can be found in the Rivers Image Archive, below.
Quickie Question:
What causes flash floods?
Return to the
Water Cycle
