· 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.
You
by wind
it erodes on its bottom
Velocity
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.
Along with friction, turbulence slows the stream's flow and may also erode the stream.
Not very deep
The base level is the lowest point to which a stream can erode its channel. This can be the level of the body of water into which the stream flows, such as a lake or ocean, or an artificial structure like a dam. At base level, erosion stops and sediment deposition begins.