How does a stream become a large river?

Answer 1

Smaller streams and rivers feed into the bigger rivers. Their water usually comes from rain and lakes and water running off mountains. Large quantities of rain create floods and some of this water makes its way into the rivers.

Answer 2

A stream will form where there is sufficient water to flow freely, and where the slope of the land is sufficient. On a sloping plane surface, even a minor defect in the surface will allow a stream bed to form. (given a water supply).

This defect from the planar could be caused by a minor landscape fold. It could also be caused by a rockfall which left a scar on the surface. In any event, a stream when formed will stick to that first channel form until erosion; or some other major force; causes it to alter.

In my region, (central Otago) land-building processes are active, and several streams now flow in a direction opposite to their original form. This has been caused by the current phase of mountain building. These processes have isolated some fish species - notably a small fish known as Galaxid gollumoides (after Gollum of Lord of the Rings). Some snail variants have also been isolated on opposite sides of mountain streams by these local forces.

Answer 3

A stream grows into a large river by collecting water from tributaries, rainfall, and melting snow along its course. As it flows downstream, it gains volume and momentum, eroding the landscape and deepening its channel. Over time, the accumulated water and sediment contribute to its size and strength, transforming it into a large river.

Answer 4

When a stream flows, it may interact with another stream causing the streams to combine and become a large river.