An Introduction to Fluvial Geomorphology Geomorphology is the study of the Earth's landscapes and landforms, the processes by which the landforms originated, their age, and the nature of the materials underlying them. Fluvial geomorphology is the study of landforms and processes associated with rivers. A model is a simplified idealized representation of reality. The basic fluvial system can be represented as a model in order to help us understand its structure and processes. The basic fluvial system is often considered to be a drainage basin .
Drainage basins differ in size and complexity, and are often subject to scale considerations.
Often, a small watershed is part of a tributary to a much larger drainage basin. The following diagram of a fluvial system is an idealized representation to help you conceptualize its structure. The diagram is presented as three nested basins of small, medium, and large scale. You should review your knowledge about drainage systems by studying these illustrations as well as those shown in your textbook. You will be asked to answer some questions in writing on a lab sheet that will be provided.