Understanding Rivers and Floods

Ever wondered how rivers form, flow, and change over time? After glaciers filled in existing streams in Illinois as recently as 15,000 years ago, erosion gradually formed new streams and rivers.

Watch as Duane Friend, Illinois Extension educator, uses a stream table to simulate river formation and stream channel erosion, and demonstrates how rivers create floodplains and horseshoe lakes. Duane also discusses how land formations and human activities impact river interactions with the surrounding environment. Human changes in rivers are also examined.

Duane Friend serves as energy and environmental stewardship educator with University of Illinois Extension, providing information and educational programs for both youth and adults on soil quality, weather and climate, energy conservation, and disaster preparedness. Friend assists families in creating a household emergency plan, farmers with the implementation of soil management and conservation practices, and local government officials and business owners with energy conservation techniques.

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