What is the term for the meeting point where one river joins another river?

The term "confluence" specifically refers to the point where two rivers meet and combine their waters. It is a significant geographical feature often marked by the merging flows of different rivers, which can lead to changes in the characteristics of the water, such as increased flow rate or alterations in sediment transport. Understanding confluence is important as it plays a crucial role in river ecosystem dynamics, influencing the habitat and biodiversity present.

The other choices offer related concepts but are distinct from the specific definition of "confluence". Divergence refers to the point where a single river splits into multiple streams, erosion pertains to the process by which earth materials are worn away, and discharge is the volume of water flowing through a river over time. These terms describe different hydrological processes and features that do not encapsulate the idea of two rivers joining together.