According to the CSEC Syllabus, the specific objectives related to Fluvial Processes are as follows:
Describe river processes.
Explain the formation of river landforms.
As such, we will follow these objectives for this unit.
A River is a large, natural stream of freshwater that flows downhill on land, typically towards a lake, ocean, or another river, usually following a defined channel with banks on either side.
How are Rivers Formed?
Rivers are formed when rain or melted snow flows downhill and collects into streams, which eventually join to form a river. To be consistent, look back at Drainage Patterns to see other ways a river is created. Rivers are formed when:
Rainwater: When it rains, some water soaks into the ground, while the rest runs off the surface and collects in pools. This runoff flows downhill into rivers.
Melting snow: Rivers can also form when snow melts on mountaintops.
Underground water: Water from springs or overloaded soil can seep above ground and feed a river.
Joining streams: Several small streams join together to form a river.
Watch the video above for a visual representation of the formation of Rivers.
Click here to begin learning about the stages of a River. Here