1. Stages of a Stream’s Life
Aim: How do streams change over time?

2. I. Stages of a Streams Life
A stream passes through a series of stages in its lifetime each having certain characteristics.
3 Main Life Cycle Stages
Youth
Maturity
Old Age
Oh Man! Look at the curves on that…
STREAM

3. A. Youth Narrow V-shaped Downcutting Fast velocity Steep gradient
EROSION IS DOMINANT
Example- Colorado River

4. B. Maturity
Meanders develop
Floodplains develop
Gradient Lowers

5. C. Old Age Wide meanders Wide floodplains Low velocity Low gradient
DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM-between erosion and deposition
Example- Mississippi River

7. D. Watershed
Geographic area drained by a particular river or stream; drainage basin

8. E. Tributary
A stream that flows into another larger stream.