Questions and Answers
How do deltas develop? Choose one.
Which type of delta is shown in the photo below?
Bird's-foot delta
Define the discharge of a stream. Choose one.
Why is the average velocity of a stream difficult to determine? Choose one.
Signup and view all the answers
What factors cause the discharge of a stream to change? Choose one or more.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between permanent streams and ephemeral streams?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of stream is shown in the photo below?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between a stream's competence and capacity? Match the terms with their correct definitions.
Signup and view all the answers
The size of the clasts that settle at a particular locality depends on how slow the flow has become. Therefore, (1)_________ sediment tends to settle out upstream, where water flows faster, whereas (2)__________ grains settle out downstream, where water flows more slowly, and the (3)_____________ sediment settles out when the stream flows into a standing body of water.
Signup and view all the answers
Does the land surface outside of the watershed slope toward or away from the drainage divide?
Signup and view all the answers
A stream will deposit sediment when __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Stream sediment is deposited in a variety of settings. Which setting best describes the photo below? Choose one.
Signup and view all the answers
Label the sources of water that can enter a stream.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between a slow-onset flood and a flash flood? Match the descriptions with their term.
Signup and view all the answers
What weather conditions can lead to flooding? Choose one or more.
Signup and view all the answers
Downcutting in a stream __________ a channel, and headward erosion __________ a channel. Choose one.
Signup and view all the answers
Label the location on this stream diagram where water is flowing fastest.
Signup and view all the answers
As a stream downcuts through alluvium, as shown in the diagram below, a new lower floodplain develops. The remnants of the original alluvial plain remain as a pair of _...
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Deltas and Stream Formation
- Deltas form when sediment-laden stream water enters standing water, such as oceans, leading to sediment deposition.
- Bird's-foot delta is a specific type characterized by long, protruding branches resembling a bird's foot.
Stream Discharge and Measurement
- Stream discharge is defined as the volume of water passing through a specific point on a stream per unit time.
- Determining average stream velocity is complex due to often inaccurate measuring instruments.
Factors Influencing Stream Discharge
- Human activities, like irrigation, can alter stream discharge.
- Watershed size and precipitation levels (rain or snow) significantly impact discharge rates.
Permanent vs. Ephemeral Streams
- Permanent streams flow throughout the year, while ephemeral streams only flow during certain parts of the year.
- Ephemeral streams typically experience flow during specific seasons or rainfall events.
Stream Competence and Capacity
- Competence refers to the maximum particle size a stream can carry.
- Capacity indicates the total sediment quantity a stream can transport.
Sediment Settling Dynamics
- Coarser sediments settle upstream where flow is faster, while finer grains settle downstream, and the finest settle as the stream enters standing water.
Watershed Dynamics
- Land surface outside a watershed slopes away from the drainage divide, directing water flow towards the divide.
Sediment Deposition
- Streams deposit sediment when their flow velocity decreases, leading to sedimentation in various environments such as gentle streams and rivers entering larger bodies of water.
Water Sources to Streams
- Sources of water entering streams include puddles, swamps, lakes, groundwater, melting ice or snow, and precipitation.
Flood Types
- Slow-onset floods develop gradually over days, while flash floods can occur rapidly, causing swift rise in water levels that make escape difficult.
Weather Conditions Leading to Flooding
- Flooding can result from abrupt, heavy rains, prolonged rainfall, or rapid snowmelt during warm spells.
Stream Erosion Processes
- Downcutting deepens a stream channel, while headward erosion lengthens it, contributing to stream valley formation.
Stream Dynamics
- Identifying locations of fastest water flow in a stream is crucial for understanding erosion and sediment transport processes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the fascinating processes involved in delta formation and stream dynamics. Learn about factors influencing stream discharge, measurement techniques, and the differences between permanent and ephemeral streams. This quiz covers various aspects of fluvial geography and hydrology.