If a stream channel is of constant width and depth, how must increased discharge be accommodated?
A)greater sediment transport
B)flooding
C)increased velocity
D)steeper channel slope

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With a constant width and depth, the only way to accommodate increased discharge (i.e. increased volume of water flowing through the channel) is to increase the velocity of the flow. This can be seen in the continuity equation: Q = AV, where Q is discharge (volume of water flowing per unit time), A is the cross-sectional area of the channel (constant in this case), and V is the velocity of the flow. Therefore, an increase in Q must result in an increase in V. Sediment transport may increase as a result of the higher velocity, but this is not the primary mechanism for accommodating increased discharge. Flooding and a steeper channel slope may also occur, but these are not necessarily the only or best ways to accommodate increased discharge.

If a Stream Channel Is of Constant Width and Depth