Gradient looks at how far the water drops over the distance the water actually flows . The gradient influences the velocity of the stream. The steeper the gradient, the higher will be the velocity if all other factors are held constant.
How does gradient affect stream velocity and stream erosion?
Sediments are carried as the following loads: dissolved, suspended, and bed. ... Faster streams can carry larger particles. Streams that carry larger particles have greater competence. Streams with a steep gradient (slope) have a faster velocity and greater competence .
How does an increase in the slope of a river bed affect its velocity?
In turn, velocity depends on the slope of the riverbed and on the volume of water. During flood periods, the velocity of a river increases because of the increased volume . Water dashing against the bed and sides of the river channel erode it very rapidly. Rivers flow to lower elevations in a turbulent fashion.
What factors would decrease flow velocity?
- Channel Shape. The shape of the channel affects the velocity of a river. ...
- Volume of Water. The volume of water that flows through a river within a given amount of time — known as the discharge — also affects its velocity. ...
- Smooth and Rough Channels. ...
- Riverbed’s Gradient.
Which two factors will increase the rate of a stream flow?
decreased precipitation and decreased slope 1 .
Which stream would have the highest velocity?
Stream Processes. Stream velocity is the speed of the water in the stream. Units are distance per time (e.g., meters per second or feet per second). Stream velocity is greatest in midstream near the surface and is slowest along the stream bed
What is the relationship between stream gradient and average stream velocity?
Gradient looks at how far the water drops over the distance the water actually flows . The gradient influences the velocity of the stream. The steeper the gradient, the higher will be the velocity if all other factors are held constant.
How do you calculate stream velocity?
Q = AV , where Q is discharge (volume/unit time-e.g. m 3 /second, also called cumecs), A is the cross-sectional area of the stream (e.g. m 2 ), and V is the average velocity (e.g. m/s). Stream water velocity is typically measured using a current meter.
What factors affect stream flow?
- Runoff from rainfall and snowmelt.
- Evaporation from soil and surface-water bodies.
- Transpiration by vegetation.
- Ground-water discharge from aquifers.
- Ground-water recharge from surface-water bodies.
- Sedimentation of lakes and wetlands.
What are 3 factors that affect the rate of stream erosion?
So what determines how much material a stream can erode? A stream’s gradient, discharge, and load are three main factors that control what sediment a stream can carry. Gradient is the measure of the change in elevation over a certain distance. You can think of gradient as the steepness of a slope.
Which two factors will increase the rate of a streams flow quizlet?
Which two factors will increase the rate of a streams flow? increased precipitation and increased slope .
Which stream will flow the fastest?
If a stream is flowing along straight, the strongest, fastest flow will be in the center of the stream well above the bottom of the bed or channel but below the surface .
Which course of the river has the highest velocity?
Stream velocity is greatest in midstream near the surface and is slowest along the stream bed
Which course of a river has the fastest flow?
1. Toward the middle of a river , water tends to flow fastest; toward the margins of the river it tends to flow slowest. 2. In a meandering river, water will tend to flow fastest along the outside bend of a meander, and slowest on the inside bend.
Which load is responsible for the most stream erosion?
Most of the sediment in a stream is carried as suspended load . It does not contribute greatly to stream erosion, since it is not in frictional contact with the stream bed
What is the typical velocity of fast streams?
The speed at which a stream flows is called the stream velocity. A fast river moves at a rate of about 5 miles per hour .
