Flooding - Streams Flashcards
streams can be subdivided according to
- whether they are water-holding or not
- linear form of the river
- cross-profile or “transverse section” of the river
- length-profile or “longitudinal profile”
- genesis or evolution of the river
three types of streams
perennial, ephemeral, intermittent
A stream that has flowing water year-round during a typical year. The water table is located above the streambed for most of the year. Groundwater is the primary source of water for stream flow. Runoff from precipitation is a supplemental source of water for stream flow.
perennial
A stream that has flowing water during certain times of the year, when groundwater provides water for stream flow. During dry periods, this stream may not have flowing water. Runoff from precipitation is a supplemental source of water for stream flow.
intermittent
A stream that has flowing water only during or for a short duration after precipitation events in a typical year. In many states, this term refers to streambeds that are located above the water table yearround and streams where groundwater is not a source of water for the stream.
ephemeral
a smooth concave profile which is steep a the source and gentle at the mouth. It has no obstructions.
graded profile
The pattern of drainage which arises from and closely follows the trends of the underlying strata is called
concordant drainage
Those streams whose courses are the direct consequence of the initial topography
consequent streams
this stream flows in the same direction as that of the initial consequent stream, but which develops in response to a new base level formed due to inversion of relief.
resequent stream
are loose rock particles/sediments deposited on a stream
alluvium
what are the types of load?
bed load
suspended load
dissolved load
one of the key factors in a stream’s ability to erode the landscape is __________
velocity of water
what happens when water enters a meander bend?
it is forced to slow down on the inner part of the bend, but speeds up on the outer part
are unstable overhang located at the outer bank which is produced by the velocity increase on the outer bank and subsequently enhances the ability of the water to erode into the bank
cutbanks
accumulation of sediments on the inner bank due to slowing down of water
point bar
manifestations of active stream erosion
cutbanks
point bar
explain how stream channel migrates and become wider
when a stream erodes away one bank and deposits sediment along the opposite side.
as flowing water erodes cutbanks, it creates an unstable overhang which then will collapse (mass wasting.
the lateral migration of stream combined with mass wasting produces wider valleys
Grains are sorted by their size, density, and shape during erosion, transport, and deposition by traction currents.
hydraulic sorting
t or f: downcutting by streams is performed by the stream itself
f (performed by sediments)
sediments in streams physically scrapes or wears away rock in a process called
abrasion
evidence for stream abrasion in solid rock can be seen in
potholes
how does potholes form?
during periods of high discharge when water column develops a swirling motion called an eddy current, causing sediments to rotate and grind holes into the rock
a circular current of water
eddy current
the velocity of a particular stream is controlled by the _______ called ________; also referred to as ____
steepness of the channel ; stream gradient ; grade
is described as the change (loss) of elevation of the stream with distance downstream.
stream gradient
the lowest level to which a stream can erode
base level
this is often referred to as ultimate base level
sea level
why is sea level considered as the ultimate base level?
because the ocean is the end or low point of most rivers
what is the lowest area that is below sea level?
Dead Sea
these form when a streams ability to cut downward is reduced by a resistance rock body, lake, or inland sea
temporary base level
what possibly reduces a streams ability to incise thus forming temporary base levels?
resistance rock body, lake, or inland sea
the ability of running water to transport and deposit sediment is dependent on _____________ and _________
water velocity ; type of particles being transported
describes the fraction of solid particles that is in a suspended state
suspended load
t or f: suspended load moves at the same velocity with the water
t
this is what makes stream appear muddy
suspended load
consists of sediment particles that roll, bounce, or remain stationary on streambed
bed load
highly concentrated bedload layers that are developed beneath and driven by turbulent overlying flows
traction carpet