Thalweg
/ˈtɑːl.veɪk/noun
The line joining the deepest points along a valley, river channel, or other depression.
Did you know?Thalweg is a German legal and geographic term that became important in international boundary law because rivers can shift, but the deepest navigable line can determine who owns the water.
Etymological Timeline
Old High German
OHG
talweg
“valley way or valley path”
Middle High German
MHG
thalwec / talweg
“the way through a valley”
18th-19th Century
German
Thalweg
“the deepest line in a valley or watercourse”
19th Century
French / English
thalweg
“the line of greatest depth in a river channel or valley”
Modern English
English
thalweg
“the line connecting the lowest points in a valley or channel”