River Features Match-Up Activity (Years 3-4) | CGP Plus - Free Printable

The task is to match the names of river features with their descriptions. Below is the solution with explanations for each match:

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River Features Match-Up

#### 1. Source
- Description: The start of a river.
- Match: The image shows a small stream or spring emerging from the ground, which is the source of a river.

#### 2. Tributary
- Description: A small stream that joins into a main river.
- Match: The image shows a smaller stream flowing into a larger river, which is the definition of a tributary.

#### 3. Waterfall
- Description: A steep drop over a rocky ledge which causes river water to fall suddenly down.
- Match: The image shows water cascading over a rocky ledge, forming a waterfall.

#### 4. Confluence
- Description: A point where a tributary flows into a river and becomes part of it.
- Match: The image shows two rivers merging into one, which is the confluence of two rivers.

#### 5. Floodplain
- Description: A flat area of land next to a river that gets covered in water when the river floods.
- Match: The image shows a wide, flat area near the river, which is characteristic of a floodplain.

#### 6. Meander
- Description: A bend in a river.
- Match: The image shows a river curving in a loop, which is a meander.

#### 7. Oxbow Lake
- Description: An area of wetland made up of sediment, transported to the end of the river, and divided by loss of channels.
- Match: The image shows a curved body of water cut off from the main river, which is an oxbow lake formed when a meander is isolated.

#### 8. Estuary
- Description: An area near the end of a river where freshwater mixes with seawater.
- Match: The image shows the mouth of a river where it meets the sea, indicating an estuary.

#### 9. Delta
- Description: A type of lake formed when a meander is cut off from the rest of the river.
- Match: The image shows a fan-shaped deposit at the mouth of a river, which is a delta.

#### 10. Mouth
- Description: The place where a river enters the ocean.
- Match: The image shows the river flowing into the sea, which is the mouth of the river.

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Final Matches:

| River Feature | Description |
|---------------|-------------|
| Source | The start of a river. |
| Tributary | A small stream that joins into a main river. |
| Waterfall | A steep drop over a rocky ledge which causes river water to fall suddenly down. |
| Confluence | A point where a tributary flows into a river and becomes part of it. |
| Floodplain | A flat area of land next to a river that gets covered in water when the river floods. |
| Meander | A bend in a river. |
| Oxbow Lake | An area of wetland made up of sediment, transported to the end of the river, and divided by loss of channels. |
| Estuary | An area near the end of a river where freshwater mixes with seawater. |
| Delta | A type of lake formed when a meander is cut off from the rest of the river. |
| Mouth | The place where a river enters the ocean. |

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Explanation:

Each river feature has a distinct characteristic that helps identify it. By understanding the definitions and visual cues in the images, we can accurately match them. For example:
- A source is where the river begins, often shown as a spring or small stream.
- A waterfall involves a sudden drop in elevation, causing water to fall.
- A delta forms at the mouth of a river, creating a fan-like deposit as the river slows down and deposits sediment.

This exercise helps reinforce the understanding of how different parts of a river system function and interact with the landscape.

Final Answer:
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
\text{Source} & \text{The start of a river.} \\
\text{Tributary} & \text{A small stream that joins into a main river.} \\
\text{Waterfall} & \text{A steep drop over a rocky ledge which causes river water to fall suddenly down.} \\
\text{Confluence} & \text{A point where a tributary flows into a river and becomes part of it.} \\
\text{Floodplain} & \text{A flat area of land next to a river that gets covered in water when the river floods.} \\
\text{Meander} & \text{A bend in a river.} \\
\text{Oxbow Lake} & \text{An area of wetland made up of sediment, transported to the end of the river, and divided by loss of channels.} \\
\text{Estuary} & \text{An area near the end of a river where freshwater mixes with seawater.} \\
\text{Delta} & \text{A type of lake formed when a meander is cut off from the rest of the river.} \\
\text{Mouth} & \text{The place where a river enters the ocean.} \\
\end{array}
}