Why does a stream discharge increase?

Answer 1

In the upper course of a river, there is a V-shaped valley with a steep gradient as the water is constantly using up the majority of its energy to overcome friction. As a river flows downstream, the valley becomes a U-shape and the gradient decreases. This is because there is less gravitational pull towards the sea/lake level. Also towards the middle and lower courses, there are more tributaries and confluences which will add more discharge to the river basin. This is constantly happening and thus, as it flows downstream it increases. The velocity also increases as there is more discharge.

Answer 2

A stream discharge increases due to factors such as increased precipitation, melting snow or ice, or groundwater inputs. These factors contribute additional water volume to the stream, causing its discharge to rise. Additionally, changes in land use, such as urbanization or deforestation, can lead to increased runoff and subsequently higher stream discharge.

Answer 3

Oh, dude, a stream discharge increases because of factors like increased rainfall, melting snow, or even human activities like irrigation or dam releases. It's like when you turn up the faucet, more water comes out, right? So yeah, basically more water flowing into the stream means the discharge goes up. Easy peasy!

Answer 4

Well, honey, a stream discharge increases because of factors like increased rainfall, melting snow, or upstream tributaries adding more water to the mix. Basically, when more water is flowing into the stream than out of it, you've got yourself a good ol' discharge increase. It's like trying to fit into your skinny jeans after a big meal - sometimes you just gotta let it all flow out.

Answer 5

The one main characteristic that changes downstream is the gradient decreases. The type of sediment found in this area of the stream is going to be larger than in any other part of the stream and obstructs the water flow. This in turn causes more sediment to collect upstream which slows down the flow of water and this in turn decreases the rate of erosion. This area of the stream is going to favor deposition of sediment more that it is going to favor erosion. As you go further downstream the rate of water flow will increase as will the rate of erosion in the bed of the stream. The type of sediment that you find also changes as you go further downstream. Sediment will become smaller in size because the water can carry it further.

The characteristics that increase downstream however, are entirely different. There is a change in the width, depth and water speed further downstream. This happens because of the amount of run off from rainwater and melting ice that soak into the ground. The bed of the stream is what allows for the water flow to increase it's speed. The bed is smoother and has fewer obstructions therefore allowing the water to increase it rate of travel. The reason for the smoother streambed is erosion occurs faster due to the increased water speed. This portion of the stream highly favors the erosion.

Answer 6

A stream discharge can increase due to factors such as increased rainfall, snowmelt, or runoff from surrounding areas. These events can lead to more water entering the stream, causing the discharge to rise. Additionally, human activities like deforestation or urbanization can also alter the flow of water in a stream, impacting its discharge.

Answer 7

Because the channel width and the channel depth have to increase to allow more water in the river and this will happen by vertical and lateral erosion.

Answer 8

If you are talking about an axial turbine, the cross-sectional area increases to maintain constant axial velocity.

Answer 9

Stream discharge would increase if additional water enters it, such as from a rain storm or from melting snow.