As a stream flows downslope,if discharge doubles but the cross-sectional area of the channel stays the same,what happens to the average stream speed?
A)Average stream speed stays the same.
B)Average stream speed decreases.
C)Average stream speed increases.
D)Stream flow stops.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average stream speed would increase because as discharge doubles, the same amount of water has to move through the same amount of space (cross-sectional area), which means the velocity of the water has to increase to accommodate for the increased flow. This is described by the equation Q = AV, where Q is discharge, A is cross-sectional area, and V is velocity. When Q doubles, but A stays the same, V must also double to maintain equilibrium.

As a Stream Flows Downslope,if Discharge Doubles but the Cross-Sectional