Tributaries are branches of streams that converge to form the trunk of a larger stream, or river. Together, they act as a system that drains the land. Land forms, such as canyons and deltas, result from the action of flowing water. Humans can affect erosion and deposition in various ways, including clearing the land, planting vegetation, and building dams. Hills, rocks, plants, and dams may change the direction and flow of water.
Aerial photographs are views of land or other surfaces as seen from above.
Skills Using stream table materials to investigate the interactions between water and land. Analyzing the materials that make up land and describing these materials on the basis of their properties. Testing the porous and adhesive qualities of earth materials. Comparing the changes in land created by water flowing over and through soil in a stream table. Relating stream table results to natural processes.