A stream's discharge is __.
A) the volume of dissolved mineral matter carried by the stream in a unit of time
B) the volume of solid sediment carried by the stream in a unit of time
C) the volume of water passing through a specific point along the stream in a unit of time.
D) the volume of excess water during flood stage
E) the average amount of water in the entire stream system

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discharge refers to the volume of water passing through a specific point along the stream in a unit of time. It is often measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) or cubic meters per second (cms). Options A and B refer to the volume of dissolved mineral matter and solid sediment respectively, which do not necessarily contribute to the discharge. Option D refers to the volume of excess water specifically during flood stage, while option E refers to the average amount of water in the entire stream system, which also may not necessarily reflect the discharge at a specific point.

A Stream's Discharge Is __