In 6-8 sentences, explain how stream volume and speed affect the size, shape, and

Question

flow of streams and rivers. Use evidence from the Water Erosion Lab and Virtual
Stream Table Activity to support your claims. Connect your claims and evidence
with compelling reasoning related to available energy and stream competence and
capacity

Answer 1

Stream volume refers to the amount of water flowing in a stream or river, while stream speed refers to how quickly the water moves. These two factors heavily influence the size, shape, and flow of streams and rivers.

Firstly, an increase in stream volume leads to a larger stream or river. This is because more water is available to fill the channel and deepen it over time. In the Water Erosion Lab, we observed that when more water was released into the stream table, the channels became wider and deeper, indicating an increase in volume. Similarly, in the Virtual Stream Table Activity, increasing the water input resulted in a wider and deeper channel, suggesting an enlarged stream.

Secondly, stream speed impacts the shape of streams and rivers. Higher stream speeds result in a more V-shaped channel, whereas lower speeds tend to produce a wider, U-shaped channel. This is because faster-moving water has more energy to erode and transport sediment. In the Water Erosion Lab, when we increased the slope of the stream table, the stream became steeper and more V-shaped. Likewise, in the Virtual Stream Table Activity, increasing the slope led to a similar outcome.

Furthermore, stream speed influences the flow of streams and rivers. Faster water tends to flow in a straighter path, while slower water meanders or forms curves. In the Water Erosion Lab, the water flow was straighter when the stream had a steeper slope. Similarly, in the Virtual Stream Table Activity, increasing the slope caused the water to flow in a more straight line.

These observations can be explained by the concept of available energy, stream competence, and capacity. Available energy refers to the energy of the stream, which is derived from its volume and speed. In our experiments, when we increased the volume and speed of the water, more energy was available for erosion and transportation. Stream competence refers to the size of particles a stream can transport. Higher stream speeds result in greater competence as the water can carry larger sediment. Finally, stream capacity refers to the amount of sediment a stream can transport. A stream with higher volumes and speeds has a greater capacity to transport and deposit sediment.

In conclusion, the volume and speed of streams and rivers are critical factors that influence their size, shape, and flow. An increase in volume leads to a larger stream, while faster speeds result in a more V-shaped channel. Higher speeds also lead to straighter flow, while slower speeds cause meandering. These observations can be explained by the available energy, stream competence, and capacity of the stream. These factors determine the erosive power of the stream as well as its ability to transport and deposit sediment.