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A River’s Path
Little River Canyon
National Preserve
A river will take the path of
least resistance as gravity
pulls it along its downward
slope.
The slope of the landscape is one factor that will
determine the speed and turbulence
of the flow of water.
• An area with only a very slight slope will
flow with less speed.
• A curve along the river can also slow the flow of
water.
• The water appears calm as it slowly moves
along.
As the slope of the landscape
increases, or becomes more of a drop
off, the faster the flow of water.
This increased speed allows the water
to move sediment, rocks, and other
debris.
The more turbulent the water, the
more it can carry with it to be
deposited down the river.
Rain
The amount of precipitation can
create huge changes in the
flow of the river.
More Rain = More Water = Greater Flow
Water
Weathering:
is the process of breaking rock into silt, sand, clay, and
other tiny pieces. Water is an important cause of weathering. Water tumbles
rocks against each other, breaking them into smaller pieces and smoothing
their edges.
Erosion: is the process of moving sediment
from one place to another.
Deposition:
is the process of dropping
sediment in a new location.
As the river meanders across the landscape
it has created beautiful scenery throughout
Little River Canyon!