Author Question: Explain why V-shaped valleys often contain rapids and waterfalls. What will be an ideal ... (Read 78 times)

lilldybug07 · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

Explain why V-shaped valleys often contain rapids and waterfalls.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe a situation that might cause a stream channel to become braided.

What will be an ideal response?

yeungji · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Rapids and waterfalls are typically caused by variations in the erodibility of the bedrock along a stream channel. They are more frequent in V-shaped valleys because these valleys are actively being incised by the water. This allows for encounters with different rock types as the river erodes toward base level.

Answer to Question 2

Braided streams form as a result of too much sediment load for the stream's discharge. Glacial fronts are typical locations for the formation of braided streams. There is a large volume of sediment being released by the glacier, and the discharge is variable by the seasonmuch more water flowing in summer than winter. When the flow slows, sediment is deposited into bars within the channel that force the flow to split into multiple paths, making the stream appear braided.