A river inflow is a water stream, the mouth of which is a larger, more significant watercourse, lake or any other body of water. In geography there is such a thing as a mainstream. It is to him that tributaries carry their waters. Let's take a closer look at the definition, consider the classification methods and features of this part of the river.
Another tributary is the cost of water brought by a stream into a lake, pond, and other reservoirs.
River Inflow: Short Description
So, from the above it follows that the tributary is a complement to the main river. It differs from the main water stream primarily in the amount of water. In the tributary, this indicator is much lower than that of the river into which it flows. There are also other criteria for differences. This is water temperature, its color index, turbidity (transparency) and chemical composition. As for the nature of the water stream, it can also vary. For example, the tributary is a mountain river, and the main channel flows along the plain, having a more calm flow. Another conclusion suggests itself: the structure of the coastline can also vary significantly. Well, of course, the length. This indicator in the main water stream is always greater, since it has tributaries.
It must be remembered that a river with all its tributaries is called a river system. The number of flowing streams can be completely different. It is sometimes difficult to determine where the main river is and where its tributaries. It happens that the size of the latter can be significantly larger than the main channel.
Where is the beginning of the influx
The tributary of the river originates from springs, swamps, in mountains, and glaciers. Its source is the place where specifically begins the channel of a stable current. A tributary is a river in which a constant flow of natural water circulates. It flows along an extended channel from the beginning of the source to the mouth. The flow of the tributaries will determine the relative slope of the terrain, as a rule, this is exclusively downward.
Classification of tributaries
Part of the river system is the tributary. It includes both the main river and the flowing streams. There is such a thing as right and left tributaries. From the name it becomes clear that the former flow into the main channel on the right side in the direction of the current, and the latter, respectively, on the left.
At the main river branching of the 1st order is observed. These are the streams that flow directly into it. They are also called the main tributaries of the river. Correspondingly, 2nd order flows flow into 1st order tributaries, etc. Due to this classification, large rivers and small streams belong to the same river system.
There are water streams on planet Earth that have about 20 orders of tributaries. There is also another classification: from minor to larger.
Characterization of tributaries
Each tributary, like the main river, has its own parameters and characteristics:
- watercourse size;
- catchment area;
- annual runoff;
- river network density;
- fall and slope of the river.
On the map of Ukraine, for example, about 71 thousand rivers are registered. The main sources of water for many regions remain the main watercourse and tributary of the river, which flows through a certain territory, for which it is important. Such water flows become an integral part of the main system of the natural environment, a source of drinking and industrial water.