Chapter 14: Problem 16

Describe the formation of a floodplain. How are natural levees, oxbow lakes, backswamps, and yazoo tributaries produced?

Short Answer

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A floodplain is formed when a river overflows, forming flat land that experiences flooding. The natural levees are formed from sediment deposits from these overflows, which build ridges alongside the river. Oxbow lakes are formed when a river's wider turns get cut off by the flow, creating an isolated body of water. Backswamps are marshy regions behind the levees, forming from stagnant floodwater that can't drain back into the river. Yazoo tributaries are streams that run parallel to the main river, formed when obstructions prevent it from merging with the main river.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Floodplain

A floodplain is a flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a stream or river that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls and experiences occasional or periodic flooding. It includes the floodway, which consists of the stream channel and adjacent areas that carry flood flows, and the flood fringe, which are areas covered by the flood, but which do not experience a strong current.

Formation of Natural Levees

Natural levees form when a river overflows its banks during a flood. Sediments carried by the water are deposited on the sides of the river. Over time, these deposits build up, forming a ridge (or levees) alongside the river channel.

Creation of an Oxbow Lake

Oxbow lakes are formed through erosion and deposition, more specifically the process of meandering. When the river carves particularly wide turns (meanders), it can cut off parts of its flow, forming a new, shorter route and leaving an isolated body of water - the oxbow lake.

Development of Backswamps

Backswamps are flat, marshy regions located behind the natural levees of a river. They form when the natural levees are higher than the floodplain surface, preventing waters from draining back into the river after flooding. This causes the water to stagnate and slowly form a marshy backswamp.

Production of Yazoo Tributaries

Yazoo tributaries are rivers or streams that run parallel to, and within the floodplain of, a larger river for considerable distance, without joining it. They are formed when natural levees or other obstructions divert a smaller stream and prevent it from merging with the main river channel.

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Describe the formation of a floodplain. How are natural levees, oxbow lakes, backswamps, and yazoo tributaries produced?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Floodplain

Formation of Natural Levees

Creation of an Oxbow Lake

Development of Backswamps

Production of Yazoo Tributaries

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