River basin sort and match Match the letters on the map to
these five river features:
1
 Watershed
 Source
 Tributary
 Confluence
 Mouth
Correctly complete the table
below matching the name of each
river basin feature to its correct
description, number (1–5) and
letter (A-E).
Name of river
basin feature
2
3
4
Description
5
Number
on map
Letter on
photograph
is the dividing line which separates two adjacent
drainage basins / catchment areas.
is the end point of a river where it enters
the sea.
is the name given to a smaller river joining a
bigger river.
is the place where the river begins, usually in an
upland area. It may be from a spring, as melt
water from a glacier or in a swampy area.
is the point where a tributary meets the main
river.
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River basin sort and match A
B
C
D
E
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River basin sort and match Teacher notes (Answers and sources)
Name of river
basin feature
Description
Number
on map
Watershed
is the dividing line which separates
two adjacent drainage basins /
catchment areas.
3
B
Source
is the place where the river begins,
usually in an upland area. It may
be from a spring, as melt water
from a glacier or in a swampy
area.
1
A
Tributary
is the name given to a smaller
river joining a bigger river.
4
D
Confluence
is the point where a tributary
meets the main river channel.
2
C
is the end point of a river where it
enters the sea..
5
E
Mouth
Letter on photograph
A - One source of the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33346716@N03/5386468802/
© cruiznbye (Steve Cyr) 2011
B - La Grande Autane, French Alps
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dyonis/4083770605/
© dyonis 2003
C - The Indus and Zanskar rivers at Nimmu
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tkohli/3977616448/
© taNvir kohli (tkohli) 2009
D - Small tributary stream in Alaska
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Homesteadcreekflowers.jpg
© Beeblebrox 2011
E – The estuary at Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sids1/3033655837/
© Sids 1 2008
Hydrographic basin map courtesy of Zimbres 2005 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hydrographic_basin.svg
© www.teachitgeography.co.uk 2012
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