Geometry and dynamics of stream channels
The stream channel is the conduit for water being carried by the stream. The stream can continually adjust its channel shape and path as the amount of water passing through the channel changes. The volume of water passing any point on a stream is called the discharge. Discharge is measured in units of volume/time (m3/sec).
Cross sectional shape
The
cross sectional shape varies with position in the stream,
and discharge. The deepest part of channel occurs where
the stream velocity is the highest. Both width and depth
increase downstream because discharge increases downstream.
As discharge increases the cross sectional shape will
change, with the stream becoming deeper and wider.
Long Profile
A
plot of elevation versus distance. Usually shows a steep
gradient near the source of the stream and a gentle gradient
as the stream approaches its mouth.
Base Level
Base level is defined as the limiting level below which a stream cannot erode its channel. For streams that empty into the oceans, base level is sea level. Local base levels can occur where the stream meets a resistant body of rock, where a natural or artificial dam impedes further channel erosion, or where the stream empties into a lake. When a natural or artificial dam impedes stream flow, the stream adjusts to the new base level by adjusting its long profile. In the example here, the long profile above and below the dam are adjusted. Erosion takes place downstream from the dam (especially if it is a natural dam and water can flow over the top). Just upstream from the dam the velocity of the stream is lowered so that deposition of sediment occurs causing the gradient to become lower.
Velocity
A
stream's velocity depends on position in the stream channel,
irregularities in the stream channel caused by resistant
rock, and stream gradient. The average velocity is the
time it takes a given particle of water to traverse a
given distance. Stream flow can be either laminar, in
which all water molecules travel along similar parallel
paths, or turbulent, in which individual particles take
irregular paths. Turbulent flow can keep sediment in
suspension longer than laminar flow and aids in erosion
of the stream bottom. Average linear velocity is generally
greater in laminar flow than in turbulent flow.
Discharge
The discharge of a stream is the amount of water passing any point in a given time.
Q = A x V
Discharge (m3/sec) = Cross-sectional Area (width x average depth) (m2) x Average Velocity (m/sec). As the amount of water in a stream increases, the stream must adjust its velocity and cross sectional area in order to form a balance. Discharge increases as more water is added through rainfall, tributary streams, or from groundwater seeping into the stream. As discharge increases, generally width, depth, and velocity of the stream also increase.
