Streams

A stream is a body of flowing water, typically smaller than a river. They are an important part of the water cycle and play a key role in shaping the Earth's surface. Here are some key concepts to understand about streams:

Formation of Streams

Streams are formed through the accumulation of water from precipitation, springs, or melting snow and ice. The water flows downhill due to gravity, carving out channels and forming streams.

Types of Streams

• Perennial streams: These streams flow continuously throughout the year, being fed by groundwater and precipitation.
• Intermittent streams: These streams flow only at certain times, such as during or after rainfall.
• Ephemeral streams: These streams flow only in direct response to precipitation, and may dry up quickly after the precipitation stops.

Stream Erosion and Deposition

Streams erode the land through processes such as hydraulic action (the force of the water itself), abrasion (the wearing down of rock and sediment), and corrosion (dissolving of rock material). They also carry sediment, which can be deposited when the stream's velocity decreases, leading to the formation of features like deltas and alluvial fans.

Stream Features

Streams create a variety of landforms, including meanders (bends in the stream), oxbow lakes (abandoned meanders), and floodplains (flat areas adjacent to the stream that are prone to flooding).

Human Impact on Streams

Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and dam construction can significantly alter the flow and ecology of streams, leading to issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and changes in water flow patterns.

Study Guide

1. Describe the formation of streams and the sources of water that contribute to their flow.
2. Explain the differences between perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams.
3. Discuss the processes of stream erosion and deposition, and the landforms they create.
4. Identify the human activities that can impact streams and the potential consequences of these impacts.