Running Water

Explore the dynamics of running water in this 50-minute lecture covering the hydrologic cycle, river systems, and their impact on Earth's landscape. Delve into the intricacies of drainage patterns, stream velocity, and channel changes from source to mouth. Examine erosional and depositional processes, including the formation of deltas, natural levees, and alluvial fans. Investigate stream channel types, focusing on braided streams and their characteristics. Learn about the shaping of stream valleys, base levels, and the development of floodplains. Analyze the impact of floods, including flash floods, and discuss flood control engineering efforts. Gain insights into freshwater resources and water management through references to USGS and EPA resources.

Intro
Earth as a System: The Hydrologic Cycle
Mississippi River Drainage Basin
River Systems
Drainage Patterns
Influence of Channel Shape on Stream Velocity
Streamflow
Longitudinal Profile of a Stream
Channel Changes from Head to Mouth
The Work of Running Water
Suspended Load
Potholes Due to Erosion
Formation of a Delta
Growth of the Mississippi River Delta
Depositional Landforms
Formation of a Natural Levee
Alluvial Fan in Death Valley
Formation of Cut Banks and Point Bars
Formation of an Oxbow Lake
Stream Channels Alluvial Channels - Braided channels
Braided Stream
Shaping Stream Valleys • Base level - Lowest point a stream can erode to
Base Levels
V-shaped Valley of the Yellowstone River
Erosional Floodplain Development
Shaping Stream Valleys • Characteristics of wide valleys
Meander Loop on the Colorado River
Mississippi River Flood of 1993
Floods and Flood Control • Flash floods - Occur with little to no warning
Flash Floods in Vermont
Floods and Flood Control • Engineering efforts