Question 1

What makes a river or stream flow?

Accepted Answer

When it rains, the water can either soak into the ground or run off the surface, and that runoff travels downhill, gathering in streams and lakes, and eventually making its way to the ocean. This happens because of gravity - water naturally moves from higher elevations to lower elevations. That's basically how rivers are formed!

Question 2

What is the difference between a river or stream flow?

Accepted Answer

The main distinction between rivers and streams is primarily based on the size and flow velocity of the water. Rivers are typically more extensive and carry a higher volume of water compared to streams. Specifically, rivers are permanent bodies of water that flow from one region to another, usually through a defined channel or bed. This is in contrast to streams, which are generally smaller and may have an intermittent flow. So, in essence, rivers and streams differ mainly in terms of their size, permanence, and the volume of water they carry.

Question 3

How fast does a river flow?

Accepted Answer

A river's speed can range from almost zero meters per second to about 3.1 meters per second, which is equivalent to roughly 7 miles per hour. Several factors can influence the velocity of a river, including the steepness of its slope, the roughness of the channel, and the presence of tides. Typically, rivers flow downhill, from higher to lower elevations, and the steepness of this slope is known as the gradient. Therefore, the gradient of a river plays a crucial role in determining its speed. Essentially, a river's speed is influenced by several complex and interconnected factors that contribute to its flow rate.

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