Mastering Base Levels

Base level in bodies of water is the lowest level that a water current can move without eroding its basin.

The base level of a stream can be defined as the lowest level to which running water can flow and erode.

The water at the base level of a stream has less velocity.

<p>The decreased velocity at the base level decreases the water's ability to erode or chip away at the land surrounding it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ultimate base level is the lowest level that a stream can erode its bedrock.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Local base level is the lowest level that a stream can erode its non-resistant rock or sediment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An example of local base level is the bottom of a slide in a park where children slow down as they approach the lowest level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The children's velocity slows down as they approach the lowest level of the slide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reaching the base level of a stream means less movement or activity in the water flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reaching the base level of a stream is important because it decreases the water's ability to erode the land surrounding it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two types of base levels are ultimate base level and local base level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ultimate base level is sea level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Local base level is the level where the velocity and eroding power of the water is temporarily lost.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An example of a local base level is a lake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A lake acts as a local base level by slowing down the velocity of the running water and reducing erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Another example of a local base level is a dam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A dam creates a new local base level by stopping the flow of water and slowing down its velocity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When sediment deposits build up behind a dam, the calm waters behind the dam fill up and eventually overflow, eroding the land downstream.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A waterfall acts as a local base level by slowing down the flow of water behind the rock ledge, creating a temporary base level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The water that flows over the top of a waterfall has a lot of velocity and can continue to erode as it travels downstream.</p> Signup and view all the answers