How Rivers Work
Rivers are a major force shaping our landscape. In response to Australia’s extremely variable climate, these dynamic systems have evolved over a very long time. There are two main factors that influence rivers and streams:
- Flow – river flow, which varies with climate, influences a river’s shape, how it works and what animals and plants can live in it.
- Catchments – the slope, geology, soil, vegetation and land use all have an influence on streamflows, water quality, channel features, energy supply, and stream bank and floodplain vegetation.