Alluvial plain
Alluvial Plain
Alluvial plain (pronunciation: /əˈluːviəl pleɪn/) is a flat or gently sloping landform created by the deposition of sediment over a long period of time by one or more rivers coming from highland regions, from which alluvial soil forms.
Etymology
The term "alluvial" comes from the Latin word alluvius, meaning "washed up". This refers to the process of how these plains are formed, through the washing up of sediment from rivers. The term "plain" comes from the Latin planus, meaning "flat" or "even".
Formation
An Alluvial plain is formed when rivers reach a flat area, often a lake or ocean, and their speed decreases. This causes the river to spread out and deposit sediment, which over time builds up to form the plain. This process is known as alluviation.
Types of Alluvial Plains
There are two main types of alluvial plains: Inundation plains, which are formed by river floods, and Delta plains, which are formed at the mouth of a river.
Related Terms
- Alluvium: The sediment that is deposited to form an alluvial plain.
- Floodplain: A type of alluvial plain that is formed by frequent flooding.
- River delta: A landform that forms from deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow leaves its mouth and enters slower-moving or stagnant water.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alluvial plain
- Wikipedia's article - Alluvial plain
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