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GCSE Geography · key term
A smaller river or stream that joins a larger river.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 3.1.3.1 · Paper 1
Revise: UK Physical LandscapesA river system consists of a main river and the smaller rivers or streams, called tributaries, that join it. Rivers collect water from the surrounding land. A river begins at its source, often in hills or mountains, and flows downhill towards its mouth.
Specification 1.7 · Paper 1
A river or stream that joins a larger river.
For an explanation, link a change to its cause: tributaries add water, so discharge generally increases downstream.
Explain downstream changes rather than just listing them. For example, tributaries increase discharge, while a larger channel reduces the proportion of water affected by friction.
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Discharge is relatively low because only a small area supplies water near the source and few tributaries have joined. Although the gradient is steep, the shallow water encounters considerable friction from the bed and banks. Average velocity is therefore generally lower than farther downstream, even though individual rapids can be fast-flowing.
Paper 2
A smaller river or stream that joins another river.
Revise: River Characteristics and ProfilesThe river has a steep gradient, but its discharge is relatively small because few tributaries have joined it. Large, angular pieces of sediment are common.