Streams
A stream is a body of water that flows. Streams are important to life on earth. They are part of the water cycle, groundwater research and fish and wildlife migration. They play an important role in
connecting habitats for many animals. Streams get majority of their water from precipatation in the form or rain or snow.
There are 5 types of streams. Each has its own characteristics and identifying features. Below is a brief description of each.
River- A River is a large naturel stream and may be considered a waterway.
Creek- A creek is a small to medium sized stream that may be large enough for motor craft to travel
on.
Tributary- A tributary is stream that does not reach the ocean but joins another river, this is sometimes considered a branch or a fork.
Brook- A brook is a stream smaller than a creek and is usually fed by a spring. Brooks are usually shallow with beds made of rock.
Runnel- A runnel is channel between parallel ridges and bars on a shoreline beach or river
floodplain.
There are many different parts to a streem. Below are some of he more common parts and a brief description.
Source- the place where the stream originates
Run- A somewhat smooth flowing segment or area of the stream
Pool- a segment or area where the water is deep and slow mooving
Riffle- a segment or area of water that is shallow but turbulent or choppy
Chanel- A depression created by constant erosion that carries the stream's water flow.
Floodplain- Lands that are ajacent, directily next to, the stream that flood when the stream overflows
Stream bed- the bottom of a stream
Mouth- the point at which the stream reaches a delta