characteristics of river essay

Essay On River

500 words essay on river.

Rivers are the backbone of human civilizations which provide freshwater that is the basic necessity for human life. We cannot live without water and rivers are the largest water bodies for freshwater. In fact, all civilizations in the past and present were born near river banks. In other words, they are veins of the earth that make life possible. Through an essay on rivers, we will take a look at their importance and how to save them.

Importance of Rivers

We refer to rivers as the arteries of any country. No living organism can live without water and rivers are the most important source of water. Almost all the early civilizations sprang up on the river banks.

It is because, from ancient times, people realized the fertility of the river valleys. Thus, they began to settle down there and cultivate the fertile valleys. Moreover, rivers originate from mountains which carry down rock, sand and soil from them.

Then they enter plains and water keeps moving slowly from the mountainsides. As a result, they deposit fertile soil. When the river overflows, this fertile soil deposits on the banks of rivers. Thus, bringing fresh fertile soil constantly to the fields.

Most importantly, rivers help in agriculture. In fact, a lot of farmers depend on rivers for agricultural purposes. Rivers have the ability to turn deserts into productive farms. Further, we can use them for constructing dams as well.

Further, rivers also are important highways. That is to say, they offer the cheapest method of transport. Before road and railways, rivers were essential means of transportation and communication.

In addition, rivers bring minerals down from hills and mountains. We construct damns across the river for generating hydel power and also preserve the wildlife. Further, they also come in use for encouraging tourism and developing fisheries.

Save Rivers

As pollution is on the rise, it has become more important than ever to save rivers. We must take different measures to do so. First of all, we must use biodegradable cleaning products and not use chemical products for body washing.

Further, we must not waste water when we shower. After that, we must install the displacement device in the back of the toilet for consuming less water. It is also essential to turn the tap off while brushing or shaving.

Moreover, one must also switch off the lights and unplug devices when not in use. This way we save electricity which in turn saves water that goes into the production of electricity. Always remember to never throw trash in the river.

Insulating your pipes will save energy and also prevent water wastage. Similarly, watering the plants early morning or late evening will prevent the loss of water because of evaporation . Finally, try to use recycled water for a carwash to save water.

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Conclusion of the Essay on River

Rivers are essential as they are nature’s blessings for human beings. It provides us with so many things but nowadays, they are being polluted on a very large scale. We must all come together to prevent this from happening and saving our rivers for a better future.

FAQ of Essay on River

Question 1: What is the importance of rivers?

Answer 1: Rivers are important as they carry water and nutrients to areas all around the earth. Further, rivers play quite an important part of the water cycle, as they act as drainage channels for surface water. Most importantly, they provide excellent habitat and food for many of the earth’s organisms.

Question 2: How can we protect our rivers?

Answer 2: We can protect our rivers by segregating our household garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Moreover, volunteering with NGOs and community groups is also great option to save rivers from pollution.

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How To Describe a River in Writing (100+ Examples & Words)

Rivers are the veins of the Earth, flowing with life and stories.

Here is how to describe a river in writing:

Describe a river in writing by focusing on its course, sound, color, temperature, wildlife, banks, reflections, mood, interaction with light, and historical significance. Use colorful words and phrases to bring its unique characteristics to life in your narrative.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to describe a river in writing.

Types of Rivers to Describe in Writing

Table of Contents

• Mountain Rivers : Originating from high altitudes, these rivers are typically characterized by steep gradients, fast-flowing currents, and rocky beds. They often create rapids and waterfalls as they descend.
• Lowland Rivers : Found in flatter areas, lowland rivers have a gentle slope and slower current, often meandering through the landscape.
• Rain-fed Rivers : These rivers swell and flow primarily during the rainy season, often drying up or reducing significantly in the dry season.
• Glacial Rivers : Fed by the melting of glaciers, these rivers are often cold, with a milky appearance due to the sediment known as glacial flour.
• Perennial Rivers : Flowing throughout the year, perennial rivers are fed by a combination of rainfall, springs, and snowmelt.
• Intermittent Rivers : These rivers flow only during certain times of the year, typically in response to seasonal rainfall.
• Tributaries : Smaller rivers or streams that feed into a larger river, contributing to its flow and volume.
• Deltaic Rivers : Forming deltas where they meet the sea, these rivers carry sediments that create rich, fertile land.
• Subterranean Rivers : Flowing underground, these hidden rivers carve through caves and are often only partially accessible.
• Artificial Rivers : Man-made rivers or canals, created for navigation, irrigation, or other purposes.

10 Elements of Rivers to Describe in a Story

Let’s explore ten essential elements of rivers and how to describe them, providing you with ample examples to enhance your narrative.

1. The River’s Course

The course of a river – its path from source to mouth – is fundamental to its identity.

It shapes the river’s behavior, influences its surroundings, and impacts the stories unfolding along its banks.

A river’s course can be straight, winding, or braided, each type offering a different narrative potential.

• “The river carved a sinuous path through the lush valley, a serpent winding through Eden.”
• “Rushing straight as an arrow, the river channeled its force, unyielding and determined.”
• “The river meandered lazily, like a daydreamer taking a leisurely stroll.”
• “In its youthful stage, the river danced over rocks, playful and untamed.”
• “A network of braided channels spread across the delta, like the roots of an ancient tree.”
• “At each turn, the river unveiled hidden groves and secret fishing spots.”
• “The river’s journey was interrupted by sharp turns, creating eddies and whirlpools.”
• “In its old age, the river looped and doubled back, reluctant to reach the sea.”
• “The river traced the contours of the landscape, a natural artist at work.”
• “Bending around cliffs, the river sculpted the land, a master carver over millennia.”

2. The River’s Sound

The sound of a river is as much a part of its character as its course.

It can be a gentle babble, a soothing whisper, or a roaring torrent, each conveying a different mood and atmosphere.

• “The gentle babbling of the river was like a lullaby, calming and serene.”
• “A symphony of splashes and gurgles accompanied the river’s journey over pebbles and rocks.”
• “The river’s roar in the canyon echoed, a testament to its raw power.”
• “Soft whispers of flowing water created a tapestry of sound, soothing and constant.”
• “At the waterfall, the river’s voice crescendoed into a thunderous applause.”
• “The quiet flow was barely audible, like a secret conversation among the stones.”
• “In the still night, the river’s murmuring was a companion to the stars.”
• “The playful chattering of the river as it skipped over obstacles brought a sense of joy.”
• “A deep, resonant sound emanated from the river’s depths, mysterious and ancient.”
• “As rain fell, the river’s song grew louder, a chorus swelling with each drop.”

3. The River’s Color

The color of a river can vary greatly, influenced by its source, the minerals it carries, and the light it reflects.

Describing its color adds a visual dimension to the narrative.

• “The river shimmered in hues of emerald and sapphire, a jewel under the sun.”
• “A rich, muddy brown, the river carried the soil of distant lands in its flow.”
• “The glacial river’s icy blue was mesmerizing, a frozen dance of light and water.”
• “In the twilight, the river turned a soft, pearly gray, mirroring the sky.”
• “Green with algae, the river spoke of the life teeming beneath its surface.”
• “The river’s black waters at night were like a portal to another world.”
• “A silvery sheen coated the river, a reflection of the moon’s gentle glow.”
• “Rust-colored from iron-rich soils, the river was a ribbon of fire in the sunlight.”
• “The crystal-clear water revealed every pebble and fish, a window into the riverbed.”
• “In the rain, the river’s colors muted, a watercolor painting blending into the landscape.”

4. The River’s Temperature

The temperature of a river can influence the behavior of its inhabitants and the experience of those who venture near it.

It can range from icy cold to comfortably warm.

• “The river’s icy touch was invigorating, a shock of cold that awakened the senses.”
• “Warm as bathwater, the river invited a leisurely swim on a hot summer day.”
• “The cool current provided a refreshing respite from the afternoon heat.”
• “A frigid stream from the mountain’s heart, the river numbed fingers and toes.”
• “The tepid water was like a gentle embrace, soothing and mild.”
• “In the spring, the river’s chill was a reminder of the melting snow that fed it.”
• “Swimming in the river felt like dipping into liquid sunshine, its warmth enveloping me.”
• “The river, chilled by the deep forest’s shade, flowed silently and cold.”
• “Near the hot springs, the river’s warmth was a natural spa, therapeutic and inviting.”
• “In winter, the river’s icy surface hid the still-cold waters beneath.”
• “The river’s lukewarm embrace in the evening hinted at the day’s lingering heat.”

5. The River’s Wildlife

The wildlife in and around a river is a testament to its ecological richness.

Describing the creatures that inhabit its waters and banks can bring a scene to life.

• “Fish darted in the river’s clear depths, flashes of silver in the sunlight.”
• “Birds sang from the riverside, a chorus of melodies blending with the water’s flow.”
• “Frogs croaked rhythmically at dusk, serenading the river with their evening chorus.”
• “Otters played in the river, their antics a joyful dance of life.”
• “Elegant herons stood along the banks, silent sentinels fishing in the shallows.”
• “Dragonflies skimmed the river’s surface, a display of aerial acrobatics in vibrant colors.”
• “Beavers busied themselves with dam-building, architects of the river’s landscape.”
• “Ducks and geese paddled along, creating gentle ripples in the calm waters.”
• “A deer cautiously approached the river, its reflection joining it for a drink.”
• “Schools of small fish swirled in the shallows, a living mosaic beneath the waves.”

6. The River’s Banks

The banks of a river frame its waters and are often as varied and interesting as the river itself.

From sandy shores to rocky ledges, the banks tell their own story.

• “Tall grasses swayed along the river’s banks, a gentle dance with the breeze.”
• “Trees leaned over the water, their leaves creating dappled patterns of light and shadow.”
• “The sandy shore was a soft, warm blanket, inviting sunbathers and picnickers.”
• “Rocks and boulders lined the river, creating miniature waterfalls and eddies.”
• “Flowers bloomed in abundance on the riverbank, a riot of colors and scents.”
• “Mudflats appeared at low tide, revealing the river’s hidden underbelly.”
• “Steep cliffs towered over the river, casting dramatic shadows on the water below.”
• “Roots of ancient trees gripped the banks, as if holding the river in an embrace.”
• “Gravel beds crunched underfoot, a testament to the river’s erosive power.”
• “In some places, the bank disappeared altogether, the river merging with the surrounding forest.”

7. The River’s Reflections

Reflections on a river can be as telling as the river itself, offering a mirrored view of the world around it.

They add a layer of beauty and depth to the scene.

• “The river reflected the sky, a canvas of clouds and blue painted on its surface.”
• “Trees mirrored in the still water, their upside-down images a ghostly forest.”
• “The mountains loomed over the river, their grandeur doubled in its reflective depths.”
• “Birds flying over were mirrored on the water, their flight captured in a fleeting moment.”
• “At sunrise, the river blazed with the colors of the morning, a symphony of light.”
• “The full moon cast a silver path across the river, a bridge to the other side.”
• “Leaves floating on the surface created a moving mosaic, nature’s art in motion.”
• “Stars twinkled on the river at night, a mirror to the heavens.”
• “The river caught the fire of the sunset, ablaze with oranges and reds.”
• “Clouds drifted in the river’s surface, a slow parade mirrored in the gentle currents.”

8. The River’s Mood

A river’s mood can change with the weather and seasons, reflecting the emotions of a scene.

Describing this mood can set the tone for the entire narrative.

• “In the storm, the river was angry, its waters churning with fury.”
• “On a sunny day, the river was joyful, sparkling with life and light.”
• “In the fog, the river was mysterious, a hidden world shrouded in mist.”
• “As the leaves fell, the river became melancholic, a reflection of autumn’s mood.”
• “In the moonlight, the river was romantic, a silver path in the darkness.”
• “When frozen, the river was silent and still, a pause in its endless journey.”
• “In the dawn’s early light, the river was hopeful, a new day beginning.”
• “During the flood, the river was powerful and relentless, reshaping the land.”
• “In the evening, the river was peaceful, a serene end to the day.”
• “Under the stars, the river became magical, a mystical pathway through the night.”

9. The River’s Interaction with Light

The way light interacts with a river can transform its appearance, creating a spectrum of visual effects.

Describing this interplay can add a vivid, almost magical quality to your narrative.

• “Sunbeams pierced the canopy, turning the river into a ribbon of gold.”
• “At dusk, the river absorbed the fading light, a soft glow lingering on its surface.”
• “Moonlight cast a silvery sheen, giving the river an otherworldly appearance.”
• “The sunrise set the river ablaze, a fiery mirror to the awakening sky.”
• “Shadows and light danced on the water, a delicate balance of contrast and harmony.”
• “In the midday sun, the river sparkled like a thousand diamonds strewn across its surface.”
• “The overcast sky turned the river a somber gray, a mirror to the mood above.”
• “Raindrops created tiny, concentric circles, a dynamic interplay of light and motion.”
• “The northern lights above transformed the river into a canvas of ethereal colors.”
• “In the twilight, the river’s surface shimmered, capturing the last whispers of daylight.”

10. The River’s Historical and Cultural Significance

Rivers often hold historical and cultural significance, serving as lifelines for civilizations and inspirations for countless stories and myths.

• “Legends whispered of ancient battles fought along the river’s banks, its waters a silent witness.”
• “The river had been a trade route for centuries, its flow carrying goods and stories.”
• “Sacred rituals were performed by the water, the river a conduit to the divine.”
• “Ancient carvings on the rocks told the river’s story, a testament to its enduring presence.”
• “Folk songs sung by the river spoke of love, loss, and the passage of time.”
• “The river’s name was entwined with local lore, a character in the community’s narrative.”
• “Historic settlements along the riverbanks showcased its role in human settlement.”
• “On its waters, festivals celebrated the river’s bounty and beauty.”
• “The river was a boundary in old maps, a natural divider of lands and peoples.”
• “In the quiet of the night, the river seemed to whisper the secrets of the ages.”

Check out this video about how to describe a river in writing:

50 Best Words to Describe Rivers in Writing

Choosing the right words is crucial in painting a vivid picture of a river in writing.

Words can capture the essence, movement, and mood of a river, making it leap off the page.

Here are 50 descriptive words to help you bring rivers to life in your writing:

• Slow-moving
• Crystal-clear
• Invigorating

50 Best Phrases to Describe Rivers

Phrases can often convey the complexity and beauty of rivers more effectively than single words.

Here are 50 phrases that encapsulate different aspects of rivers, enriching your narrative with their depth and imagery:

• A ribbon of blue cutting through the landscape
• Murmuring secrets as it flows
• Reflecting the ever-changing sky
• Dancing with the sunlight
• Carving its path through ancient rocks
• Whispering to the pebbled shore
• A mirror to the world above
• Cradling life in its watery embrace
• Where history and nature intertwine
• The heartbeat of the wilderness
• A journey from mountain to sea
• Echoing the rhythm of the rain
• A canvas of nature’s hues
• Twisting like a dragon’s spine
• The painter of its own meandering story
• A serenade of water and wind
• The laughter of the earth
• A conduit between past and present
• The keeper of age-old secrets
• A symphony of ripples and waves
• Shimmering under the moon’s gaze
• A pathway for wandering souls
• The song of the untamed
• A cradle of biodiversity
• The sculptor of valleys and canyons
• Where myths and legends are born
• The lifeline of the land
• A fluid mosaic of light and shadow
• Bridging realms with its flow
• The whisperer of ancient tales
• A tapestry woven by nature
• Flowing like time itself
• A dance of light and water
• The artist of its own landscape
• A melody of movement and stillness
• The breath of the earth
• An ever-changing masterpiece
• The vein of the wilderness
• A journey through seasons and time
• The waltz of water and land
• The stage for nature’s drama
• A testament to resilience and change
• The guardian of hidden depths
• A blend of tranquility and tumult
• The echo of the mountains
• The canvas for sunrise and sunset
• A fluid bridge between worlds
• The nurturer of life and growth
• A symphony composed by nature
• The eternal storyteller of the earth

3 Full Examples for How to Describe a River in Writing

Describing a river effectively can vary significantly based on the genre of writing.

Here are three examples of how to describe a river, tailored to different genres: Thriller, Romance, and Science Fiction.

Thriller: The River’s Menace

The river flowed dark and treacherous under the moonless sky, its currents a silent predator lurking in the night.

The sound of water churning over rocks was like the low growl of a beast waiting in ambush. Shadows played on its surface, hiding secrets too dangerous to reveal. Each ripple seemed to whisper warnings, and the cold mist that rose from its depths carried an air of foreboding.

This was no idyllic waterway but a pathway into the heart of darkness, where every turn held a potential threat.

Romance: The River’s Embrace

The river flowed gently, a serene backdrop to a blossoming romance.

Sunlight danced on its surface, creating a sparkling path that led to an unknown future. The soft murmur of the water was like tender whispers shared between lovers. Along its banks, flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, mirroring the emotions that bloomed in their hearts. In the evening, the river reflected the glorious hues of the sunset, enveloping the lovers in a warm embrace.

It was a place of beginnings and promises, where every ripple spoke of love and hope.

Science Fiction: The River of Time

The river flowed not just with water, but with time itself.

Its currents were streams of moments, converging and diverging in an endless dance. Along its banks, reality seemed to warp, bending under the weight of possibilities. The water shimmered with an ethereal glow, illuminating a path that spanned beyond the known universe. Here, the river was not just a part of the landscape but a portal to other dimensions, a conduit to worlds unimagined.

It was a cosmic river, a flow of time and space that defied all laws of nature.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a River in Writing

Capturing the essence of a river in writing is an art that enriches any narrative.

Explore more creative writing tips and techniques on our website.

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

A river is a large body of fresh, flowing water.

Earth Science, Climatology, Geology, Geography

Grand Canyon Colorado River

The Colorado river flowing through the Grand Canyon.

Photograph by Nate Loper

A river is a ribbon-like body of water that flows downhill from the force of gravity. A river can be wide and deep, or shallow enough for a person to wade across. A flowing body of water that is smaller than a river is called a stream, creek, or brook. Some rivers flow year-round, while others flow only during certain seasons or when there has been a lot of rain. The largest rivers can be thousands of miles long. The erosional power of rivers can form geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon.

All rivers have a starting point where water begins its flow. This source is called a headwater . The headwater can come from rainfall or snowmelt in mountains, but it can also bubble up from groundwater or form at the edge of a lake or large pond. The other end of a river is called its mouth, where water empties into a larger body of water, such as a lake or ocean. Along the way, rivers may pass through wetlands where plants slow down the water and filter out pollutants.

The water that flows in rivers is fresh, meaning that it contains less than one percent salt. However, rivers still carry and distribute important salts and nutrients to support plant and animal life. For this reason, some of the most biodiverse habitats on our planet can be found around rivers. Collectively, scientists estimate that all the rivers in the world carry about 3.6 billion metric tons (four billion tons) of salt from land to the ocean each year.

Rivers can also form what is called an estuary , where salty seawater mixes with fresh water near the river mouth to form “ brackish water .” The Hudson River in New York, U.S., is an example of an estuary where brackish water extends more than 241 kilometers (150 miles) upstream.

Fast-flowing rivers carry pebbles, sand, and silt. As the river begins to slow down—as in a wetland, at the outside of a bend, or where the river widens, such as at the mouth—these sediments sink and build up to form deltas. Rivers that overflow their banks also deposit sediment in the surrounding flood plain. These deltas and floodplains are highly fertile agricultural zones that offer tremendous value to the surrounding people. In Egypt, for example, the Nile River and its adjacent delta helped give rise to the Egyptian empire that built the pyramids. Today, farmers in the flood plain of California’s Central Valley produce approximately one-third of the vegetables and two-thirds of the fruits and nuts consumed in the United States.

Humans use rivers for irrigation in agriculture, for drinking water, for transportation, to produce electricity through hydroelectric dams, and for leisure activities like swimming and boating. Each of these uses can affect the health of a river and its surrounding ecosystems . Monitoring the health of rivers, lakes, and streams is important work that is conducted by scientists called limnologists .

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What are the characteristics of rivers?

Cambridge iGCSE Geography > The Natural Environment > Rivers > What are the characteristics of rivers?

Changing-channel characteristics

Downstream changes.

Rivers perform three key tasks: they wear away their channels, carry materials, and form new landscapes through erosion and deposition . Typically, rivers have three sections — a zone of erosion, a zone of transportation, and a zone of deposition where materials. While all sections of a river experience erosion, transport, and deposition, one is usually more dominant than the others. For instance, the upper part mainly experiences erosion, while the lower course mostly experiences deposition. This is because as you move from the source to the mouth of a river, factors like speed, volume, and the amount of materials carried tend to increase. However, the slope becomes gentler, and the size of the materials transported decreases. The diagram below shows changes in a river from source to mouth.

The Bradshaw Model illustrates the typical changes in a river from its source (upstream) to its mouth (downstream)

River Energy

The energy in a river dictates its capacity to erode, transport, or deposit material. This energy is split into:

• Potential Energy : Arising from the water’s weight and height.
• Kinetic Energy : Generated by gravity and the water’s movement. Around 95% of a river’s energy combats friction against the riverbed and banks. More energy is lost in rough channels due to friction, whereas smooth channels retain most of their energy for transporting materials.

Channel Shape

A stream’s efficiency is gauged by its hydraulic radius, which is the channel’s cross-sectional area divided by its wetted perimeter. A higher ratio indicates a more efficient stream with less frictional loss. The most efficient shape is semi-circular.

Wetted perimeter and cross-sectional area

Factors like depth, width, channel roughness, and hydraulic geometry influence the water’s velocity and discharge in the channel. The width-to-depth (w/d) ratio offers a solid benchmark. Additionally, the channel’s shape is influenced by its material and river dynamics. Solid rock results in slow alterations, while channels made of alluvium can change quickly. Channels of silt and clay tend to be narrow and deep due to the cohesive nature of the fine material, while those of sand and gravel are wider and shallower.

Channel Roughness

The irregularities in the riverbed, like boulders, vegetation, and the interaction between water and the river’s sides and bed, cause friction, which affects the water’s speed. The term ‘discharge’ refers to the water volume flowing past a point in a specific time, usually stated in m^3/sec or cumecs (see diagram below). This is determined by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the average velocity. Generally, steeper inclines lead to faster water speeds because gravity plays a more significant role. Downstream, while discharge, width, depth, and speed typically increase, channel roughness diminishes. A notable trend is that the growth in channel width downstream usually surpasses the increase in depth. Larger rivers have a higher w/d ratio and are more efficient since less energy combats friction. This efficiency boosts the river’s carrying capacity and means a lesser slope can transport the same material. Even if river slopes lessen downstream, the transported material tends to be finer and easier to move.

Rivers have three main zones: erosion (dominant in the upper course), transportation, and deposition (dominant in lower course).

The Bradshaw Model depicts changes from a river’s source to its mouth, with downstream changes like gentler slopes and decreasing material size.

River energy, divided into potential and kinetic, dictates its ability to erode, transport, or deposit. Rough channels lose more energy to friction than smooth ones.

Channel shape and roughness influence water velocity and discharge, with factors like depth, width, and material type playing key roles.

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Rivers and Streams: Life in Flowing Water

Large-scale differences: Source to mouth.

Local scale structure: pools, riffles, meanders, and the hyporheic zone.

Small scale differences: microhabitats., references and recommended reading, article history, flag inappropriate.

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1.8: 8. Rivers

• Last updated
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• Page ID 2828

• Dawn Sumner
• University of California, Davis

Rivers are responsible for most sediment transport from mountains to lowlands and the oceans. They do the most to even out the topography that tectonic processes create. Rivers consist of channel, bank and overbank or floodplain deposits. Most of the sediment and many river characteristics are controlled by the highest common flow speeds.

River Types

• Straight (rare, except for ones humans have modified)
• Braided (many branches within a channel)
• Meandering (high sinuosity)
• Anastomosing (rivers with branching and merging channels)

The form of the river is controlled by the gradient of the river bed (steep = braided, gently dipping = meandering), local vegetation that stabilizes banks and limits the number of channels, sediment grain size, particularly the ratio of suspended versus bedload sediment, and sediment volume. A high bedload gives rise to abundant bars, which promotes formation of braided rivers.

Braided Rivers

Braided rivers develop when the proportion of bedload sediment is high, which produces abundant bedforms and promotes the development of bars, and thus, the braided character of the river. The sediment is commonly coarse, which requires fast flow and steep gradients for the sediment to be transported. Much of the geometry of braided rivers is shaped by the highest flows, e.g. spring floods, when the bars are covered in water. Many braided rivers have exposed bar tops for much of the year.

Flow speeds and transport capacity vary dramatically within a braided river. Friction with the riverbed tends to slow down the flow, particularly where the flow is shallow. Thus, the Reynolds number in shallow areas is relatively low (but still high enough that the flow is turbulent) and the transport capacity is low. In contrast, the transport capacity and Reynolds number are much higher in the deeper middles of channels in the river. Thus, the coarsest sediment is transported here, whereas finer sediment gets deposited in shallow areas. Also, bars block the flow on the upstream sides, and like dunes, the upstream sides tend to erode. Areas of low flow and eddies form on the downstream sides of bars, and they are usually sites of net deposition. Thus, bars migrate downstream through time. If we summarize the processes:

Sediment Transport

• The coarsest sediment is only transported in the middle of the flow where the Reynolds number is highest. (All grain sizes that can be moved are transported where Re is high.)
• Bars are eroded upstream where the bars deflect the flow. Sediment is deposited on downstream side of bars and some on the flanks of bars where flow is slower, particularly on the insides of bends.
• Secondary bedforms, i.e. planar beds, dunes, and ripples, form as a result of sediment transport on the bars and in the channels.

Sedimentary Structures

• Trough x-bedding in channels, due to the migration of irregular dunes
• Coarsest sediment may be lower flat laminated if flow speeds are not fast enough to form coarse grained dunes
• Sediment on the edges of bars fines upward because the flow is shallower and slower, e.g. has a lower Reynolds number. Sedimentary structures can include anything from upper planar to ripple laminations.

Braided River Facies

Channels migrate back and forth leaving a sheet of sand with abundant cross stratification. These sheets of sand tend to fine upward because the channels migrate due to bar migration, and sediment is finer grained higher up on the bars. General characteristics of braided river deposits include:

• Scoured surface at the base of a channel
• Gravel lag at base of channel
• Trough x-bedded sands deposited just off the center of channels
• Occasional tabular x-stratification from migrating bars
• Sand deposited at slower speeds (ripple cross lamination possible)
• Overbank deposits from floods mostly composed of sand and silt, with some mud

The large scale geometry of the deposits includes sheets of sand with various grain sizes representing bar migration, with sand sheets separated by floodplain deposits.

Example of a braided river in Alaska: http://g.co/maps/wrk9n It is cutting through glacial morraines deposited as a glacier retreated up the valley. Follow the river downstream (to the north and east) to http://g.co/maps/q5kq7 . How does the channel geometry change?

Meandering Rivers

Meandering rivers have a low gradient and thus slower flow, and usually have a high proportion of suspended sediment relative to the amount of bedload. A meandering river channel has curves that meander back and forth on a gently sloping floodplain. The flow speed in the channel varies with the geometry of the meanders. Water has to travel farther on the outside of bends than on the insides of bends, so flow speeds are higher on the outsides of bends. We know from the relationships between Reynolds number and bed shear stress that higher flow speeds mean that more and coarser sediment can be transported at higher flow speeds. Thus, we can predict that:

• There is more erosion on the outsides of bends.
• The sediment moving near the outsides of bends and in the deepest parts of the channel should include the coarsest sediment available.
• Sediment will accumulate on the insides of bends, and this sediment will be finer grained.

If we look at a channel in cross section, it is asymmetric, representing the sites of erosion and deposition. Variation in flow speed also produce different sedimentary structures. Upper planar lamination and dune cross stratification are common where the Reynolds number (Re) is highest, and ripple cross lamination is common where Re is lower.

The main parts of the channel include eroding bank, the thalweg (the deepest point of the flow) and the point bar (on the inside of the bend where most sediment is accumulating). As the channel migrates due to erosion and deposition, a distinctive suite of sedimentary structures accumulate. The deepest part is coarser and has upper planar lamination or dune cross stratification. This is overlain by finer sediment with current ripple lamination.

As meandering rivers migrate, the meanders tend to increase in size. Eventually, the channel forms almost a circle, and the meander gets cut off, often during a flood. This straightens the channel temporarily and produces an ox bow lake in the abandoned meander. The lake accumulates mud and organic matter since the flow speed is close to zero.

Levees and Floodplains

When a river floods, it goes from a confined flow in the channel, which is very fast, to a widespread flow across the floodplain. The flow slows down very quickly and the water becomes shallower, both of which cause a decrease in Reynolds number. Thus, the water can not transport as much sediment on the floodplain as it does in the channel. Thus, finer sands that may be in suspension during a flood are transported as bedload or rapidly deposited once the river overflows its banks. This sediment deposition produces levees. The finer silts and especially clays remain in suspension much longer and settle out on the floodplain as the flood waters dry up.

Over time, the levees build up and provide a higher bank for the channel than the level of the floodplain. Thus, the channel bottom can aggrade (fill in) until the bottom of the channel is as high or higher than the floodplain. When the next flood comes along, the river avulses and does not go back into its old channel which is higher than a new one on the floodplain. This results in the downstream part of the channel being completely abandoned.

Meandering River Facies

Meandering rivers produce suites of facies that vary depending on the subenvironment. Channel facies different from floodplain and ox bow lake facies because the flow characteristics and sediment supplies are different.

Channel Facies

• Scoured base of flow
• Lag deposit with mud rip-up clasts and the coarsest grains being transported by the flow
• Fining upward sands with trough cross stratification
• Rippled sands
• Sigmoidal cross stratification from migrating point bars

Floodplain Facies

• Fine sand with climbing ripples near channels
• Mudstone/shale with mud cracks

Ox Bow Lake Facies

• Mudstone/shale without mud cracks (unless the lake dries out)
• Organic-rich deposits, including coal
• Anoxic water indicators (especially in fossils and absence of trace fossils)

Differences between braided and meandering river deposits

• Braided river deposits are commonly coarser grained
• Meandering rivers contain abundant suspended sediment, which is deposited in ox bow lakes and on floodplains.
• Floodplain deposits are better developed and finer grained in meandering river systems.
• Bar migration is much more regular in direction in meandering rivers because there is a well defined, single thalweg towards which the bars migrate. In contrast, braided river bar migration occurs in multiple directions at the same time. Thus, meandering rivers produce a more regular geometry of tabular cross bedding, when preserved.

General Characteristics of Fluvial Sediments

• On a large scale, river deposits consist of sheets and lenses of sand deposited in channels associated with flat laminated shales and silts with rare rippled sand beds deposited on floodplains.
• Fining upward sequences of beds in the sands with sedimentary structures that indicate decreasing flow speeds.
• Abundant cross stratification in well sorted sands, particularly trough cross stratification.
• Cut banks at the edges of channels - these are good indicators of a migrating river channel, but can be hard to see in outcrop since they are rarely preserved
• Soil development in floodplain deposits, with root casts common if the rocks are Devonian or younger (and on Earth).

Look at pictures of fluvial rocks at http://mygeologypage.ucdavis.edu/sum...s/Fluvial.html

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1 Why Should We Care About Rivers?

• Published: November 2004
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This chapter focuses on the importance of rivers, and explains why humans should care about them. Rivers provide water to drink, water that helps crops to grow, and the water that fuels or cools industries. Water is a universal solvent and is used at some stage in the manufacture of every product that people consume. Rivers transport wastes, and to some extent transform them. If not for this self-purifying function of rivers, many estuaries and deltas would be even more polluted. Rivers transport goods, generate power, and sustain recreation. The chapter emphasizes that the society which does not protect its rivers destroys its own lifelines. It also reveals that despite the history of public awareness of environmental issues in America, many people remain unaware of how substantially human activities have altered rivers across the nation.

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On the Nature of Rivers pp 3–47 Cite as

Essential features of rivers

• Julian Rzóska 2  

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Rivers drain parts of the earth’s crust and in many cases are old features of the land. Geological and geomorphological events have shaped their courses and their present state can only be understood by their past. Similarly their characteristics are in close and mutual interdependence with the land they traverse. Climatic conditions govern their water supply via tributaries from long distances. The water mass in rivers is in motion, unidirectional and sometimes of great force. Their outstanding function is the transport of water; with changes of discharge and velocity of water movement they erode the land and carry sediment and often bedload for, sometimes, long distances. These sediments and bedloads are then deposited in downstream areas or are flown into the sea.

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Rzóska, J. (1978). Essential features of rivers. In: On the Nature of Rivers. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2480-7_1

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What is a river characteristics of a river - class 6 geography.

What is a River? A River is a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another water body. Important Characteristics of Rivers: � Rivers normally contain freshwater. � Rivers are found on every continent and nearly every kind of land. � A river begins at a source (or more often several sources), follows a path called a course, and ends at a mouth or mouths. The passage where the river flows is called the river bed and the earth on each side is called a riverbank. � The movement of water in rivers is called a current. The current is usually strongest near the river�s source. � Rivers can flow down mountains, through valleys or along plains, and can create canyons or gorges. Some flow all year round. Others flow seasonally or during wet years. � A river may be only kilometers long, or it may span much of a continent. � Rivers and their tributaries are the veins of the planet, pumping freshwater to wetlands and lakes and out to sea. � Rivers have always been important to people. In prehistoric times, people settled along the banks of rivers, where they found fish to eat and water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. � Rivers are the cradles of civilization. All the major civilizations such as the Mesopotamian, Indus Valley, the Egyptian and the Chinese civilizations have developed on the banks of rivers. � Centuries later, rivers provided routes for trade, exploration, and settlement. � Rivers continue to provide transportation routes, water for drinking and for irrigating farmland, and power for homes and industries.

Fun Facts About Rivers

� 18 countries do not have a single river. � Bangladesh, known as �the land of the rivers� with over 700 rivers. � Russia has more rivers than any other country. Research says it has around 100,000 rivers. � The oldest river in the United States is named the New River. It runs through North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Read More: Rivers Of The World: Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, Mississippi and Other

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River Processes - What are the physical characteristics of a river?

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