Author Question: How do gradient, discharge, channel size, and channel roughness typically change from the head to ... (Read 452 times)

nautica902 · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

How do gradient, discharge, channel size, and channel roughness typically change from the head to the mouth of a stream?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

List two ways in which streams erode their channels.

What will be an ideal response?

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

Answer to Question 1

From the headwaters to mouth, there is usually an increase in discharge and channel size. Gradient decreases, as does channel roughness (due to a decrease in sediment particle size). In order to accommodate the growing discharge, channel size increases downstream as well, and so does flow velocity (despite decreasing gradient).

Answer to Question 2

Sufficiently strong water flow can dislodge particles from the channel and lift them into the moving water. A stream can also erode bedrock with by the particles it carries, acting as abrasives or drills into the streambed.