Question: If a stream is traveling at 300 cm/sec, what type of sediments can it carry? (p. 6 of E.S.R.T.) Aim: What are some characteristics of a stream? I. Stream Characteristics A. Stream velocity – how fast a stream moves slope 1.Controlled by slope slopeStream velocity

2. Controlled by discharge (the quantity of water flowing past a certain point in a stream per unit of time) dischargeStream velocity 3. Stream water flows fastest in midstream just below the surface. Why?

B. Erosion by streams 1. Water cuts a “v” shape into land (channel) a.Sides of channel are called banks b.Bottom of channel is called bed c.Slope of bed is called the gradient

2. Meandering Stream – a stream that curves back and forth a. Meander – outside of a curve b. Stream Velocity and stream erosion are greatest on the outside curves. c. Stream velocity is slowest on the inside curve and stream erosion is least (deposition is greatest)

Maximum velocity and maximum erosion Minimum velocity and maximum deposition