The Work of Streams

Erosion Usually happen by streams flowing through their channels and lifting loose particles by abrasion, grinding, and by dissolving soluble material. Usually happen by streams flowing through their channels and lifting loose particles by abrasion, grinding, and by dissolving soluble material. Ex. Like how sandpaper grinds down wood. Ex. Like how sandpaper grinds down wood.

Sediment Transport Three ways: Three ways: 1.) In Solution: dissolve load 1.) In Solution: dissolve load Enters through the groundwater Enters through the groundwater 2.) In Suspension: suspended load 2.) In Suspension: suspended load Carry the largest part of their load this way Carry the largest part of their load this way 3.) Scooting/rolling across the bottom: bed load 3.) Scooting/rolling across the bottom: bed load Solid material to large to be carried in suspension Solid material to large to be carried in suspension

Competence and Capacity Measures the largest part of the materials that a stream can transport. Measures the largest part of the materials that a stream can transport. Steam Discharge: Estimate of how much water can flow through in one second. Steam Discharge: Estimate of how much water can flow through in one second. The maximum load that the stream can carry The greater the volume of water in the stream, the greater its capacity for carrying sediment.

Deposition Occurs when sediments in a stream start to deposit because the stream slows down. Occurs when sediments in a stream start to deposit because the stream slows down. Two types: Two types: 1.) Delta: an accumulation of sediment formed where a stream enters a lake or ocean. 1.) Delta: an accumulation of sediment formed where a stream enters a lake or ocean. When a stream/river enters a lake/ocean When a stream/river enters a lake/ocean 2.) Natural Levees: a landform that parallels some streams. Happens when a stream overflows its banks. 2.) Natural Levees: a landform that parallels some streams. Happens when a stream overflows its banks.

Narrow Valley vs. Wide Valley A stream’s primary work has been to down cut to the base level. A stream’s primary work has been to down cut to the base level. More commonly known as a floodplain.

Flood Control Caused by rapid spring melts or snow storms. Caused by rapid spring melts or snow storms. Three types to control floods: Three types to control floods: 1.) Artificial Levees: Earth mounds on top of the banks of rivers. 1.) Artificial Levees: Earth mounds on top of the banks of rivers. 2.) Flood – Control Dam 2.) Flood – Control Dam 3.) Limiting Development 3.) Limiting Development

Drainage Basin The land area that contributes water to a stream/river. The land area that contributes water to a stream/river.

Water Beneath the Surface

Distribution and Movement Soaks into the ground but does not travel far. Soaks into the ground but does not travel far. Seeps until it goes to the water table. Seeps until it goes to the water table. Moves through the pores of the groundwater. Porosity – percentage of rocks and soil that have pores.

Springs Where ever the water reaches the surface of the Earth. Where ever the water reaches the surface of the Earth. Spring – a naturally flow of groundwater. Spring – a naturally flow of groundwater.

Hot Springs vs. Geysers Warmer than the air temperature around it. Warmer than the air temperature around it. Intermittent hot spring – its on a timer.

Wells A hole that is bored into the zone of saturation (water table). A hole that is bored into the zone of saturation (water table). Artesian Well: any formation in which groundwater rises on its own under pressure. Artesian Well: any formation in which groundwater rises on its own under pressure.

Environmental Problems Overuse and contamination Overuse and contamination 1.) Treating groundwater like it is a nonrenewable resource 1.) Treating groundwater like it is a nonrenewable resource 2.) Groundwater Contamination (pollution) 2.) Groundwater Contamination (pollution)

Caverns vs. Sink holes A naturally formed underground chamber caused by erosion from streams. A naturally formed underground chamber caused by erosion from streams. A region where groundwater has removed the rock.