STARTED module to learn how to maneuver through, and how to answer the lab questions, in the Google Earth () component.
KEY TERMS
You should know and understand the following terms:
| Alluvial fan | Drainage divide | Oxbow Lake |
| Basin | Drainage pattern | Sinuosity |
| Braided streams | Entrenched meander | Stream discharge |
| Cutbanks | Hydrograph | Stream order |
| Delta | Meandering river | Watershed |
| Drainage density | Meander scar |
LAB LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After successfully completing this module, you should be able to do the following tasks:
· Describe the concepts of sub-basins and watersheds
· Identify different human water uses of a river
· Construct a stream order for a river system
· Compute drainage density of a given basin
· Identify drainage patterns of river networks
· Explain how braided rivers and meandering rivers are formed
· Identify the physical features common to a meandering river system
· Describe the physical conditions necessary to form alluvial fans
INTRODUCTION
This module examines fluvial processes and landscapes. Topics include watersheds, drainage patterns and densities, stream order, meandering and braided streams, and alluvial fans. While these topics may appear to be disparate, you will learn how they are inherently related. The modules start with four opening topics, or vignettes, which are found in the accompanying Google Earth file. These vignettes introduce basic concepts of fluvial processes and landscapes. Some of the vignettes have animations, videos, or short articles that will provide another perspective or visual explanation for the topic at hand. After reading the vignette and associated links, answer the following questions. Please note that some links might take a while to download based on your Internet speed.
Expand the INTRODUCTION folder and then select Topic 1: Introduction
Read Topic 1: Introduction
Question 1: Which of the following is a reason for the location selected for the first English settlement in the New World, Jamestown, VA?
A. Prime agricultural land
B. On the advice from the Native Americans
C. Deep water port
D. The land was already cleared
Read Topic 2: Rivers of Life
Question 2: If our ability to predict floods has improved significantly, why does economic loss continue to rise? (Check all that apply).
A. Increased urbanization
B. Increased population
C. Increased development along coasts
D. Increased real estate values
Read Topic 3: Rivers of Waste
Question 3: What are potential outcomes or conditions resulting from too much nitrogen running off from agricultural fields? (Check all that apply).
A. Eutrophication of water bodies
B. Decrease in crop production
C. Contamination of groundwater
D. Health issues in infants
Read Topic 4: Erosion
Question 4: List three ways in which humans contribute to stream bank erosion.
A. Vegetation removal
B. Increase in impervious surfaces
C. Wave from boats
D. Wind action on exposed banks