Rivers are the main source of drinking water for humanity. Their importance cannot be underestimated. Rivers, like water arteries, are located throughout the land on the planet.
Watercourses are grouped by size (small, medium, large) and by topographic classification. It is from the terrain on which the stream flows that all the rivers of the planet are divided into two different types of water bodies. The difference between plain and mountain rivers can be understood from the information presented in this article. Some flows have a mixed type: they can flow along one type of terrain, and another.
River types: definition
A plain river is a body of water that has a calm, quiet course, a wide valley and flows along a plain or plateau relief.
Mountain river - a stream flowing along a narrow and deep valley, it has a fast and turbulent flow, passes within the mountainous terrain.
A more accurate description of what is plain and mountain rivers, what is the difference between them, can be read below.
Source
The source of flat rivers are usually lakes, reservoirs, groundwater sources; while mountain - originate high in the mountains, in places of accumulation of snow or glaciers.
River Nutrition
The food of the lowland rivers is mostly mixed, with the advantage of snow. High water on them begins in the spring. The duration of the period is from 15 days to 1 month. After the flood, the water level drops, reaching its minimum mark, which is called low water. Speaking of how the plain and mountain rivers differ, it is worth saying that sometimes the shallow bodies of water flowing in places of a slight rise in land tend to dry out in summer. But by the fall, by the time floods began, they again returned to their previous regime. Mountain rivers have a completely different behavior. They have a constant flow, never dry up, and in winter they can freeze completely. The rivers feed mainly on account of precipitation (rain). Their maximum number falls in the summer, because during this period mountain streams can leave the coast. The water level in winter decreases as much as possible, and the course becomes calm.
Water temperature
Plain and mountain rivers (the difference between them is limited not only by the above criteria) have different levels of water temperature. It is always low in the reservoirs flowing near the peaks, the waters practically do not warm up during the day. In the upper reaches of mountain rivers, at high altitudes, the temperature drops to + 2 ° C. The water regime of flat streams changes with the course of the year and depends on the type of climate. Most often, in winter such rivers are quite cold, in places with a freezing surface, they go through three stages: freezing, ice formation and opening. In summer, the temperature in them rises significantly.
River valley
Continuing to provide information on how the plain rivers differ from the mountain ones, it is necessary to clarify that the terrain has an exceptional effect on the nature of the bottom of the reservoir flowing at heights. Water flows have a deep, rocky and uneven bottom, and the banks almost always have a rocky character and a steep descent. The shape of the bottom of the mountain river valley is V-shaped, in most cases. The channel itself is most often narrow, not differing in breadth throughout its entire length. This moment also depends on the flow velocity and the slope angle of the reservoir. Plain rivers are distinguished by a sufficient width of their valley, shallow depths and low slopes. The channel of such a flow most often has a tortuous character, and the bottom is muddy (clay and sandy areas can sometimes be found). Often, rocks in the lower part of the valley are not found, if there are barriers or rifts in the lowland river, they are represented by sandy rocks. Large gyrus are called meanders (bends). A common feature of mountain and lowland rivers: they can have rapids, which to a large extent affect the speed of the stream. They can form when the watercourse is located on solid rocks (ridges, platforms).
Flow rate
An important nuance in the question of how the plain rivers differ from the mountain ones is the nature of the current. Ponds located at the peaks have a fast flow, average flow rates can reach 6 m / s. In areas close to waterfalls, the movement of water can be further enhanced. The flow rate of a mountain river depends on the level of slope. The higher this angle, the faster the flow of water. Plain rivers have a calm slow flow. Their sources are located at low altitudes, so their bias is small.
Economic use of rivers
Plain rivers and mountain rivers are not equally used in the economic sphere. In this matter, the first option wins significantly. First of all, they are navigable in most cases, while rafting along mountain streams is practically impossible (only extreme sports can be considered an exception). Plain streams tend to form a wide delta when flowing into the sea or ocean. It is known that the soil in these places is very fertile. In their waters there are more representatives of ichthyofauna than in mountain rivers. At this moment, the temperature of the water and the flow velocity have a great influence. And in terms of tourism and recreation, flat rivers are more developed.