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23 Nov 2025
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Fun with Water Cycles and River Erosion: Easy Diagrams and Examples
Max
@maximoo_29
River Erosion and Transportation Processes
River erosion transportation processes play a crucial role in shaping landscapes and moving sediment through the drainage basin system. Understanding these processes is essential for studying river systems and their impacts on the environment.
River erosion processes include:
- Attrition
- Hydraulic action
- Abrasion
- Solution
Example: Waterfalls are formed through the process of erosion, particularly undercutting, which creates a plunge pool. As the overhanging rock collapses, the waterfall retreats, forming a gorge-like valley.
4 types of transportation in a river include:
- Suspension
- Saltation
- Traction
- Solution
Vocabulary: Saltation refers to the bouncing of rocks along the river bed.
River features formed by erosion and deposition processes:
- Meanders: Curved bends in the river course
- Slip-off slopes: Gently sloping banks on the inside of meanders
- Oxbow lakes: Curved lakes formed when a meander is cut off from the main river channel
- Levees: Natural embankments formed by deposition along river banks
Highlight: The formation of these features demonstrates the dynamic nature of river systems and their ability to shape landscapes over time.
Drainage Basin System and Water Cycle
The drainage basin system is an integral part of the water cycle, encompassing the area drained by a river and its tributaries. This system involves complex interactions between various components of the hydrological cycle.
Key elements of the drainage basin system include:
- Inputs: Precipitation is the primary input of water into the system.
- Stores: Water is stored in various forms, including surface storage, soil moisture, and groundwater.
- Transfers: Water moves through the system via processes such as infiltration, percolation, and overland flow.
- Outputs: Water leaves the system through river discharge and evapotranspiration.
Vocabulary: Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from land to the atmosphere through evaporation from surfaces (e.g., lakes) and transpiration from plants.
Drainage basin system water cycle diagram components:
- Precipitation
- Interception
- Surface runoff
- Evaporation
- Surface storage
- Overland flow
- Soil moisture
- Infiltration
- Groundwater
- Percolation
- Throughflow
Highlight: 97% of Earth's water is stored in seas and oceans, while only 0.3% is fresh water on the surface as part of the drainage basin system.
Key features of a drainage basin system water cycle map include:
- Watershed: The boundary between drainage basins
- Source: The starting point of rivers
- Tributary: A stream that flows into a larger river
- Confluence: The point where two rivers meet
- River mouth: Where the river enters the sea
Rivers can be divided into upper, middle, and lower courses, each with distinct characteristics in terms of gradient, load (sediment carried), discharge (amount of water passing a point at a given time), and river energy.
Definition: Gradient refers to the slope over which the river loses height.
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Fun with Water Cycles and River Erosion: Easy Diagrams and Examples
Max
@maximoo_29
The drainage basin system is a crucial component of the water cycle, encompassing the area drained by a river and its tributaries. This system involves various processes including inputs, stores, transfers, and outputs of water. Rivers play a vital role... Show more
River Erosion and Transportation Processes
River erosion transportation processes play a crucial role in shaping landscapes and moving sediment through the drainage basin system. Understanding these processes is essential for studying river systems and their impacts on the environment.
River erosion processes include:
- Attrition
- Hydraulic action
- Abrasion
- Solution
Example: Waterfalls are formed through the process of erosion, particularly undercutting, which creates a plunge pool. As the overhanging rock collapses, the waterfall retreats, forming a gorge-like valley.
4 types of transportation in a river include:
- Suspension
- Saltation
- Traction
- Solution
Vocabulary: Saltation refers to the bouncing of rocks along the river bed.
River features formed by erosion and deposition processes:
- Meanders: Curved bends in the river course
- Slip-off slopes: Gently sloping banks on the inside of meanders
- Oxbow lakes: Curved lakes formed when a meander is cut off from the main river channel
- Levees: Natural embankments formed by deposition along river banks
Highlight: The formation of these features demonstrates the dynamic nature of river systems and their ability to shape landscapes over time.
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Drainage Basin System and Water Cycle
The drainage basin system is an integral part of the water cycle, encompassing the area drained by a river and its tributaries. This system involves complex interactions between various components of the hydrological cycle.
Key elements of the drainage basin system include:
- Inputs: Precipitation is the primary input of water into the system.
- Stores: Water is stored in various forms, including surface storage, soil moisture, and groundwater.
- Transfers: Water moves through the system via processes such as infiltration, percolation, and overland flow.
- Outputs: Water leaves the system through river discharge and evapotranspiration.
Vocabulary: Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from land to the atmosphere through evaporation from surfaces (e.g., lakes) and transpiration from plants.
Drainage basin system water cycle diagram components:
- Precipitation
- Interception
- Surface runoff
- Evaporation
- Surface storage
- Overland flow
- Soil moisture
- Infiltration
- Groundwater
- Percolation
- Throughflow
Highlight: 97% of Earth's water is stored in seas and oceans, while only 0.3% is fresh water on the surface as part of the drainage basin system.
Key features of a drainage basin system water cycle map include:
- Watershed: The boundary between drainage basins
- Source: The starting point of rivers
- Tributary: A stream that flows into a larger river
- Confluence: The point where two rivers meet
- River mouth: Where the river enters the sea
Rivers can be divided into upper, middle, and lower courses, each with distinct characteristics in terms of gradient, load (sediment carried), discharge (amount of water passing a point at a given time), and river energy.
Definition: Gradient refers to the slope over which the river loses height.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user