Fluvial Adjustment Explain how rivers adjust to a change in base level, with reference to example(s) that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2013

An example of this adjustment can be seen in the Mississippi River, which has experienced significant downcutting due to changes in sea levels and sediment supply.

When there is a decrease in base level, such as a drop in sea level or tectonic uplift, rivers respond by increasing their erosional power. This can lead to the formation of features like incised meanders as the river cuts down into its bed. Conversely, an increase in base level, such as a rise in sea level, can cause rivers to slow down and deposit sediment, leading to the formation of deltas.

In addition, rivers may also adjust their shapes and positions to accommodate changes in flow and sediment load. For instance, a river experiencing increased sediment can widen and develop a braided channel pattern. Understanding these adjustments is crucial in river management and predicting future changes in river systems.