Objectives for the topic: Streams and Floods

Reading: Chapter 10 in Tarbuck and Lutgens

Images to understand: 10. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25, 31, 32, 36, Box 10.2

After completing this topic, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the hydrologic cycle including the driving energy source.
2. Define a watershed.
3. Explain the realtionship between a river and its watershed, and why a river should be studied in terms of its watershed.
4. Define the following river terms:
   • Gradient
   • Base level (local & ultimate)
   • Stream profile
   • Graded stream
   • Discharge
   • Hydrograph
   • Competence
   • Capacity
5. Describe how streams accomplish the following:
   • Erosion
   • Transportation of sediment
   • Deposition of sediment
6. Explain how a cut bank and point bar form, and how they are related to oxbow lakes.
7. Identify braided, meandering, and narrow-valley streams, and explain what conditions lead to each.
8. Explain how natural levees form.
9. Explain what Lake Missoula was, and how it relates to the flood-formed landforms of eastern Washington state.
10. Explain what the meaning of "100-year" flood is, and the risks associated with the use of old flood hazard maps.