Author Question: Compare and contrast the water velocity and type of streamflow in a rocky mountain stream versus a ... (Read 60 times)

Haya94 · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Compare and contrast the water velocity and type of streamflow in a rocky mountain stream versus a silt-bottomed stream along the Gulf Coast.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain how precipitation run-off will eventually become a stream.

What will be an ideal response?

jlaineee · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: The rocky mountain stream will have a higher gradient and a narrow, deep channel with a small wetted perimeter, so water will have a higher velocity. However, water flow will be impeded due to the rough channel bottom. This will also result in more turbulent flow. A silt-bottomed stream has a smoother channel bottom, reducing turbulence. However, because the topography is so flat along the Gulf Coast, there is little gradient and the stream will have a wider, flatter bottom, which will result in a slower water velocity.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Run-off starts flowing via sheet flow. Due to variations in the land surface, the sheet flow will become concentrated in low spot to develop small channels called rills. Rills meet to form gullies, which join to form larger streams (i.e., creeks).