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In the upper course of a river, there is a V-shaped valley with a steep gradient as the water is constantly using up the majority of its energy to overcome friction. As a river flows downstream, the valley becomes a U-shape and the gradient decreases. This is because there is less gravitational pull towards the sea/lake level. Also towards the middle and lower courses, there are more tributaries and confluences which will add more discharge to the river basin. This is constantly happening and thus, as it flows downstream it increases. The velocity also increases as there is more discharge.

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9y ago
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3mo ago

A stream discharge can increase due to factors such as increased rainfall, snowmelt, or runoff from surrounding areas. These events can lead to more water entering the stream, causing the discharge to rise. Additionally, human activities like deforestation or urbanization can also alter the flow of water in a stream, impacting its discharge.

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16y ago

The one main characteristic that changes downstream is the gradient decreases. The type of sediment found in this area of the stream is going to be larger than in any other part of the stream and obstructs the water flow. This in turn causes more sediment to collect upstream which slows down the flow of water and this in turn decreases the rate of erosion. This area of the stream is going to favor deposition of sediment more that it is going to favor erosion. As you go further downstream the rate of water flow will increase as will the rate of erosion in the bed of the stream. The type of sediment that you find also changes as you go further downstream. Sediment will become smaller in size because the water can carry it further.

The characteristics that increase downstream however, are entirely different. There is a change in the width, depth and water speed further downstream. This happens because of the amount of run off from rainwater and melting ice that soak into the ground. The bed of the stream is what allows for the water flow to increase it's speed. The bed is smoother and has fewer obstructions therefore allowing the water to increase it rate of travel. The reason for the smoother streambed is erosion occurs faster due to the increased water speed. This portion of the stream highly favors the erosion.

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12y ago

Because the channel width and the channel depth have to increase to allow more water in the river and this will happen by vertical and lateral erosion.

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14y ago

If you are talking about an axial turbine, the cross-sectional area increases to maintain constant axial velocity.

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7y ago

Stream discharge would increase if additional water enters it, such as from a rain storm or from melting snow.

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Q: Why does a stream discharge increase?
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What is the relationship between discharge and slope of a stream?

The discharge of a stream is directly affected by the slope of the stream channel. A steeper slope will generally result in a higher discharge due to increased velocity and energy to transport water. Conversely, a gentler slope will result in lower discharge.


What factor is most likely to affect the amount of erosion done by a stream?

The slope or gradient of the stream is the most likely factor to affect the amount of erosion. Steeper slopes result in higher velocities, which in turn increase the erosive power of the stream. A steeper slope also allows the stream to carry larger sediment and potentially cause more erosion.


How does discharge increased erosion on earths surface?

Discharge refers to the volume of water flowing in a river or stream. When discharge increases, the speed and force of the water also increase, leading to greater erosion of the earth's surface. The increased volume of water can carry more sediment and particles, allowing it to erode and transport more material, shaping the landscape over time.


What is a stream discharge?

a streams discharge is the excess water from a storm or melted snow.


What increases stream temperature?

Stream temperature can increase due to various factors such as reduced shade from vegetation, urbanization leading to heat absorption from impervious surfaces, discharge of warm water from industrial processes or power plants, and climate change impacting overall temperature patterns. Additionally, changes in water flow and depth can also influence stream temperature.

Related questions

Why a stream discharge increase?

Stream discharge would increase if additional water enters it, such as from a rain storm or from melting snow.


What would cause a streams discharge to increase?

An increase in precipitation, snowmelt, or glacial melt can cause a stream's discharge to increase. Additionally, if there is a sudden influx of water from a tributary or a dam release upstream, it can also lead to an increase in stream discharge.


What happens after a stream discharge increases?

After a stream's discharge increases, it overflows its banks and a flood occurs.


As surface runoff increases stream discharge will do what?

increase


Does the carrying capacity increase as a stream's slope and discharge increases?

true


How does an increase in a streams velocity affect its discharge and carrying capacity?

When the discharge of a stream increases, so does it's velocity. When it decreases, so does the velocity.


What is the relationship between the carrying capacity of a stream and its discharge and velocity?

The carrying capacity of a stream is influenced by its discharge and velocity. Higher discharge and faster velocity can increase the stream's ability to transport sediment and debris, thus raising its carrying capacity. Conversely, lower discharge and slower velocity may result in a reduced carrying capacity as the stream has less energy to move material.


What does the rate of stream discharge has to do with erosion and deposition?

The rate of stream discharge is directly related to erosion and deposition. A higher rate of discharge can increase erosion by carrying more sediment downstream. Conversely, a decrease in discharge can lead to deposition of sediment as the stream's capacity to transport sediment diminishes. Overall, stream discharge plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape through erosion and deposition processes.


What happens to stream speed if the discharge in a stream doubles?

If in a given stream the velocity doubles, the discharge: Choose one answer


What is the relationship between the carrying capacity of a stream and it and discharge and velocity?

The carrying capacity of a stream refers to its ability to transport sediment. Higher discharge and velocity typically increase a stream's carrying capacity as they provide more energy to move sediment. However, if the stream's carrying capacity surpasses its available sediment, deposition can occur.


What is the relationship between discharge and slope of a stream?

The discharge of a stream is directly affected by the slope of the stream channel. A steeper slope will generally result in a higher discharge due to increased velocity and energy to transport water. Conversely, a gentler slope will result in lower discharge.


What happens after stream discharge increases?

After a stream's discharge increases, it overflows its banks and a flood occurs.