The slowest stream velocity necessary for a stream to carry small boulders typically ranges from 1 to 2 meters per second, depending on factors like the size and shape of the boulders, as well as the water's viscosity and density. This velocity allows the water to exert enough force to overcome the boulders' weight and drag. Additionally, streambed composition and gradient can also influence the required velocity.
The stream velocity required to carry the smallest boulders is typically around 1 meter per second. This velocity is based on the sediment transport capacity of the stream, which is influenced by factors such as the size and weight of the boulders, as well as the stream's gradient and flow rate.
To prevent particles of 0.01 cm from settling downstream, a minimum stream velocity of 0.02 m/s is required, based on Stokes' law calculations for settling velocity.
A stream with a velocity of 20 cm/s can transport particles up to fine sand size (0.0625 - 2 mm). Larger particles such as gravel and boulders would require a faster flow velocity to be transported.
load or stream load.
The largest sediment that can be transported by a stream is determined by the stream's velocity and the sediment's size and weight. Generally, a stream with a velocity of 125 cm per second can transport larger particles, such as gravel or small boulders, depending on factors like flow turbulence and sediment density. However, specific calculations using the Einstein-Brown equation or other sediment transport formulas can provide a more precise size estimate. Typically, at this velocity, the largest sediment might be around 2 to 4 millimeters in diameter.
The largest sediment that can be transported into a stream is typically boulders, which can be moved during high-energy events like flooding or landslides. However, normal stream flow usually transports smaller particles such as gravel, sand, and silt. The ability of a stream to transport sediment depends on factors like water velocity, sediment size, and stream gradient. While boulders can be moved, they generally require significant force to be entrained and carried downstream.
Deposition is dominant in areas of a stream where the flow rate decreases, such as at the inner bends of a meander or near the mouth of the stream where it enters a larger body of water. In these locations, the stream has less energy to transport sediment, leading to deposition of the sediment it is carrying.
A stream gauge is the instrument which is commonly used for the measurement of velocity stream.
Stream gradient, or the slope of the stream channel, affects stream velocity by influencing the speed at which water flows downstream. A steeper stream gradient typically results in a faster water flow velocity, as the force of gravity pulls water downhill more strongly. Conversely, a gentler stream gradient leads to slower water flow velocity.
The higher the velocity of the stream the larger carrying capacity it has.
sediment
Stream beds are slowest inside the bend due to the phenomenon of centrifugal force, which causes water to flow faster along the outer edge of the bend. As the water moves around the curve, it erodes the outer bank and deposits sediment on the inner bank, where the flow velocity is lower. This reduced velocity inside the bend allows sediment to accumulate, creating a point bar. Consequently, the inner bend experiences slower water flow compared to the outer bend.