Laws of Stream/River Formation

Laws of Stream/River Formation

Law 1- Steepness of SlopeLaw 1- Steepness of Slope

The steeper the slope is, the faster the water runs off

The faster the water runs off, the more erosion occurs

Steep slopes produce narrow, deep channels

Gentle slopes produce wide shallow channels

The steeper the slope is, the faster the water runs off

The faster the water runs off, the more erosion occurs

Steep slopes produce narrow, deep channels

Gentle slopes produce wide shallow channels

Law 2- ObstaclesLaw 2- Obstacles

With obstacles in its path, a stream will always take the PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

With obstacles in its path, a stream will always take the PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

Law 3- Older RiversLaw 3- Older Rivers

Younger rivers tend to be straighter, and older rivers have more meanders (curves).

Older rivers have more erosion on the outside of a curve, and more deposition on the inside

Younger rivers tend to be straighter, and older rivers have more meanders (curves).

Older rivers have more erosion on the outside of a curve, and more deposition on the inside

Law 4- River DeltasLaw 4- River Deltas

Deltas form at the mouth of the river

River water slows down as it reaches the ocean

Sediment from the river is deposited as the water runs into the ocean water

Deltas form at the mouth of the river

River water slows down as it reaches the ocean

Sediment from the river is deposited as the water runs into the ocean water