Knowra River River A river is a natural channel that carries flowing water across land toward a lake, sea, or another river. Its course connects drainage areas and continually reshapes the surrounding landscape.
Drainage basin : An area of land where precipitation drains into a shared outlet, such as a river or lake. Its boundaries determine which water and sediment feed the river.
Stream : A body of flowing surface water confined to a channel, usually smaller than a river. The distinction between a stream and a river is often a matter of scale.
Hydroelectricity : Electricity generated by converting the energy of moving or falling water. River flow can drive turbines, though dams alter the channel and its ecosystems.
River ecology : The study of organisms and ecological processes in flowing-water environments. River flow, temperature, and sediment create habitats for aquatic communities.
Canal : An artificial or substantially modified waterway built for navigation, irrigation, drainage, or water supply. Unlike a natural river channel, a canal is created or engineered by people.
River discharge : The volume of water passing a cross-section of a river per unit of time. Discharge measures how much water the channel carries and how it varies.
Tributary : A stream or river that flows into a larger stream or river. Tributaries add water and sediment to the main channel.
Irrigation : The artificial application of water to land for growing crops or other purposes. Rivers supply water to farms through canals, pumps, and diversion works.
Sediment transport : The movement of mineral and organic particles by fluids such as water or air. Rivers carry sediment downstream, building landforms while eroding their channels.
Ephemeral stream : A channel that flows only during and shortly after precipitation events. Its intermittent flow contrasts with rivers that carry water more persistently.
Show all 29