The minimum speed needed to transport cobbles into a stream would depend on factors such as the size and weight of the cobbles, the flow rate of the stream, and the slope of the terrain. In general, water velocities of at least 1-2 feet per second are needed to transport cobbles in a stream.
Particles of sand, gravel, or soil carried by the natural flow of a stream on or immediately above its bed. Also known as bottom load.Read more: bed-load
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.
In a muddy stream, sediment transport processes such as erosion, sedimentation, and deposition would likely dominate. The turbulent flow in the stream can cause erosion of sediment from the streambed, leading to the suspension and transport of the sediments downstream. Sediments can also settle out and deposit in areas of slow-moving water or when the flow velocity decreases.
The capacity of a stream is related to its ability to transport sediment and water, which is influenced by factors such as flow velocity, channel shape, and gradient. It refers to the maximum amount of sediment that a stream can carry without deposition. As the flow increases, the stream's capacity also rises, allowing it to transport larger and more sediment. Understanding stream capacity is crucial for managing erosion, sedimentation, and aquatic habitats.
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.
When a stream slows down, sediment that was previously being carried by the flow may begin to settle and accumulate on the streambed. This can lead to the formation of bars and pools within the stream channel. Additionally, slower flow rates can reduce the stream's ability to transport particles and nutrients downstream, affecting the overall ecosystem of the stream.
The measure of the largest particles that a stream can carry is typically determined by its stream power, bed material size, and flow velocity. Streams with higher stream power and flow velocity are able to transport larger particles. The largest particles a stream can carry before they settle to the streambed are usually referred to as the stream's "bedload" particles.
Fluctuations in discharge rate can affect stream flow velocity by changing the amount of water in the stream channel. Higher discharge rates typically lead to higher flow velocities, while lower discharge rates result in slower flow velocities. These fluctuations impact the overall movement of water in the stream channel and can influence erosion, sediment transport, and habitat conditions for aquatic organisms.
Solid particles in a stream can include sediment, rocks, sand, gravel, and organic material like leaves or sticks. These particles are carried along by the flow of water and can vary in size and composition depending on the stream's location and characteristics.
A decrease in stream velocity due to factors such as a decrease in slope or widening of the stream channel can cause sediment to be deposited. When the stream's capacity to transport sediment is exceeded, it drops the sediment it was carrying. Additionally, changes in the stream's flow rate or turbulence levels can also result in sediment deposition.
Sediments like sand and gravel are typically deposited first in a stream channel due to their heavier weight and larger size compared to finer particles like silt and clay. These sediments settle out when the stream's velocity decreases, usually in areas with reduced flow or obstacles that disrupt the current.