Stream Order 4.12.A

Physical Methods Stream order is a measure of the relative size of streams. Range from smallest, first- order, to the largest, the twelfth-order(Amazon) Over 80% of total length of Earth’s rivers and Streams are headwater streams(first and second order)

As water travels from source to mouth, the streams tend to increase in width, depth, and discharge.

First order streams Perennial: carry water all year Smallest streams Have no permanently flowing tributaries

Second Order Streams Two first order streams come together to form second order streams. However, if a first order stream joins a second order, it is still a second order

Third Order Stream When two second order streams come together, it forms a third order stream. How has the width of the stream changed since it was 2 nd order? How about since 1 st order?

Fourth Order Stream When 2 third order streams come together,it forms a fourth order stream How has the width and canopy changed since 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd order stream?

Stream order Two of the same order streams must come together before that stream goes up one level.