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alluvial fan
noun
: the alluvial deposit of a stream where it issues from a gorge upon a plain or of a tributary stream at its junction with the main stream
Examples of alluvial fan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Using a helicopter equipped with a ground-penetrating electromagnetic imaging system, scientists have scanned up to 1,000 feet underground to map optimal areas for recharging aquifers — including channels left by ancient rivers that lie hidden beneath alluvial fans in the valley.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024
The Alluvium Vineyard is an alluvial fan, spreading out from an old sedimentary riverbed in the shape of a broad triangle.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2024
Some of the same natural features that visitors drive out to see — such as desert canyons and alluvial fans — were formed during flood events, National Park Service officials wrote online.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023
The ginkgo leaf shapes of alluvial fans spread at mountains’ feet.
—Maggie Shipstead Anthony Cotsifas, New York Times, 10 May 2023
It’s meant to protect the plants and animals in the unique alluvial fan sage scrublands, where white sage is a keystone plant, critical for the survival of other species.
—Jeanette Marantosstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2022
In a new study, scientists have for the first time produced a detailed map of one of these paleovalleys, located on the Kings River alluvial fan between Fresno and Selma.
—Ian Jamesstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2022
Perched on a broad alluvial fan dotted with rabbitbrush and Joshua trees, this ragtag community of artists, misanthropes and urban refugees has little time for politicians.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2022
According to the California Department of Water Resources, the state experiences many types of flooding, including alluvial fan, riverine, coastal, flash, and localized floods, as well as debris flows and tsunamis.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022
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Word History
First Known Use
1862, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near alluvial fan
Cite this Entry
“Alluvial fan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alluvial%20fan. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
More from Merriam-Webster on alluvial fan
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alluvial fan
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