The velocity of a stream increases when discharge decreases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The velocity of a stream actually increases when discharge increases, not when it decreases. This can be explained within the continuity equation, which states that the amount of water flowing through a certain point in a stream must remain constant, regardless of changes in velocity or cross-sectional area. Therefore, if discharge (which is the volume of water passing through a cross-section of the stream per unit of time) decreases, the cross-sectional area must decrease as well in order to maintain the constant water flow. However, as cross-sectional area decreases, velocity must increase in order to maintain that constant flow.

The Velocity of a Stream Increases When Discharge Decreases