Pronunciation: [tˈalwɛɡ] (IPA) 
Talweg is a term used in geography to describe the path of a stream or river. It is a German word comprised of two syllables: "tal" meaning "valley" and "weg" meaning "path". In IPA phonetic transcription, "tal" is pronounced as "tæl" with the "a" pronounced like the "a" in "cat". "Weg" is pronounced as "veɡ" with the "e" pronounced like the "e" in "met". So when pronounced correctly, talweg sounds like "tæl-veɡ".
The term "talweg" originates from the German language and it is mainly used in geology, cartography, and geography. It refers to the line of lowest elevation within a valley or a channel. Also referred to as the "thalweg," this term describes the path along which a river or stream naturally flows. The talweg represents the deepest part of the channel where the water accumulates, following the line of maximum descent.
In cartography, the talweg is conventionally represented by a dashed line that runs along the center of a river or streambed on topographic maps, indicating its lowest points. This is essential for navigation or understanding terrain features. Additionally, the concept of the talweg is taken into account when determining political boundaries or shared international river resources, as the line of the talweg may have legal implications in such cases.
The talweg can also influence the formation of other geological features such as erosion patterns and deposition of sediments. It plays a crucial role in shaping valleys and canyons, as it promotes the concentration and course of flowing water, gradually wearing down the surrounding terrain. Understanding the talweg helps researchers and scientists comprehend how water moves across landscapes, impacting ecosystems and human settlements.
Overall, the talweg is a significant geological and geographical term, representing the central line of a watercourse or valley that influences hydrological patterns and plays a fundamental role in shaping the Earth's surface.
The word "talweg" derives from the German language. It is a compound word, combining the terms "Tal" meaning "valley" and "Weg" meaning "way" or "path". "Talweg" can be translated as "valley way" or "valley path". This term specifically refers to the deepest part of a valley, where a river or stream flows. Over time, "talweg" has been adopted into English as a technical term used in the field of geography and hydrology.
