· The stream will erode down through its bed to achieve the base level of erosion throughout its course. If this base level is low, then the stream will rapidly cut through underlying strata and have a steep gradient, and if the base level is relatively high, then the stream will form a flood plain and meander.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream
The ability of a stream to erode and transport material largely depends on its discharge, velocity, gradient, and the size and shape of the sediments. These factors influence how much sediment a stream can carry and how effectively it can erode material from its surroundings.
Raising the base level of a stream would typically cause the stream to lose energy and deposition could occur rather than erosion. This is because by raising the base level, the stream has less energy to transport sediment, leading to sediment accumulation rather than erosion.
The amount of water in the stream and the gradient. However if you had two streams both with the same amount of water in them but with one stream flowing down a steeper slope (gradient) than the other, then the steep one has more ability to erode.
You
The constant stream of water slowly eroded the rocks down.
Streams can't erode their channels endlessly. there is a lower limit to how deep can a stream erode. Base level is the lowest point to which a stream can erode its channels.
Streams can't erode their channels endlessly. there is a lower limit to how deep can a stream erode. Base level is the lowest point to which a stream can erode its channels.
The ability of a stream to erode and transport material largely depends on its discharge, velocity, gradient, and the size and shape of the sediments. These factors influence how much sediment a stream can carry and how effectively it can erode material from its surroundings.
Stream erode their channels by abrasion, grinding, and by dissolving soluble material.
The most important factor influencing a stream's ability to erode is the stream's velocity or flow rate. Higher velocities increase the stream's capacity to transport sediment and erode the streambed and banks. Other contributing factors include the gradient of the stream, the volume of water, and the nature of the bed and bank materials, but flow velocity is the primary driver of erosion.
The maximum depth to which a stream can erode is called the "base level." Base level is the lowest point to which a stream can flow, typically determined by factors such as sea level or the level of a lake. When a stream reaches its base level, it can no longer erode its bed further, leading to a reduction in its energy and often resulting in sediment deposition.
You
Gravity influences a stream's ability to erode materials by pulling them downstream. The force of gravity helps water to carry sediment and erode the streambed. Additionally, gravity plays a role in the deposition of materials by causing sediment to settle out of the water when the stream's velocity decreases.
Velocity
it erodes on its bottom
by wind
Along with friction, turbulence slows the stream's flow and may also erode the stream.