How will channel velocity change along the longitudinal profile of a stream?
A)Velocity will remain constant for the entire length of the stream
B)Velocity will start high and gradually decrease toward the mouth due to increasing discharge downstream
C)Velocity will start low and gradually increase toward the mouth due to increasing discharge downstream

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Velocity will start low and gradually increase toward the mouth due to increasing discharge downstream. As water flows downstream, it accumulates more water from tributaries, causing the discharge (volume of water passing a point in a given time) to increase. As the discharge increases, the channel width and depth also increase, which eventually leads to an increase in velocity.

How Will Channel Velocity Change Along the Longitudinal Profile of a Stream