Potamology is engaged in the study of rivers (from ποταμός - river). Today, scientists find it difficult to answer the question of how many rivers exist on the planet, but this number is unimaginably large. In Russia alone there are at least 2 million of them. It is not surprising that among this number there are rivers with the most diverse characters.
But for most bodies of water, some common symptoms are characteristic. For example, most often you will notice that one shore is gentle, and the second is steeper. Surely you have ever paid attention to this. What is the reason for this?
Our article will talk about the steep and gentle banks of the river, as well as about why this happens.
Different shores
First, let's deal with terminology. The gently sloping coast, according to most directories, has a slope of no more than 40 degrees. The bottom in this place, as a rule, has no cliffs, it deepens gradually.
Coriolis Force
Scientists have long calculated that most rivers in the northern hemisphere have left gentle banks, and their right is steep and steep. In the south, the opposite is true. This is due to the rotation of the planet. Huge masses of water under the influence of their own weight and rotation bite into one shore, while the other has a much smaller impact.
Of course, this observation cannot be called an immutable law. There are many exceptions. But the phenomenon is quite common.
Centrifugal force
Much depends on the trajectory of the river itself. At bends, water crashes into the coast under the influence of centrifugal forces, forming a relief. Moreover, the stronger the surface slope, the more this action will be noticeable. Rapid mountain streams that make their way along rocky soil or rocky bottom affect the surface so much that both of their banks can be steep and steep. But the rivers, calmly flowing along the plains, often have gentle banks on both sides.
So, we found out what is the difference between a gentle and steep bank of the river and what is the reason for this.