What is a stream and how it is formed

A stream is a Water course of smaller than a river. Generally, the streams are smaller and less caudalous than rivers, and can vary in size from small stream to larger currents.

The main feature that distinguishes a river stream is its size and flow. The streams are often formed by the accumulation of rainwater, thawing of snow or springs on higher terrain, and flow to valleys and lowlands.

The streams are bodies of water that have different characteristics that can vary according to their geographical location, climate and other factors. Here are some common characteristics of a stream:

• Water flow: A stream is a water course that flows from one place to another. It can be fed by rains, snow thaw, springs or other sources.
• Arroyo bed: It is the area of ​​the soil or rock bed through which the stream water flows. It may consist of gravel, sand, stones or rocky beds, depending on the geographical location.
• Banks: The streams usually have banks on both sides that define their limit. These banks can be composed of land, vegetation or rocks.
• Canyon or Valley: In some regions, streams can form cannons or valleys as the surrounding land erodes.
• Meanders: Many streams develop sinuous patterns as water erodes the bed bed. These curves are known as meanders. Discover what a meander, its characteristics, training and types is.
• Caudal: It is the amount of water that flows through the stream in a specific period of time. It can vary seasonally and affect the size and strength of the stream.
• Riverside vegetation: The streams are often surrounded by vegetation on their banks, known as riverside vegetation. This vegetation can help stabilize banks, provide wild life habitats and filter pollutants.
• Aquatic life: The streams can house a variety of aquatic life, such as fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans and more. The stream of the stream is often reflected in the diversity and abundance of the aquatic life it supports.
• Surrounding ecosystem: They are an integral part of local ecosystems and can influence biodiversity and general health of the surrounding environment.
• Flood regime: Some streams may experience periodic floods during intense rain events. This can lead to the formation of temporary flood plains.

These characteristics may vary significantly according to the geographical location and the specific environmental conditions of each stream. Observation of these characteristics can provide valuable information about the health and dynamics of the stream ecosystem.

1. Water accumulation: The formation of a stream begins with the accumulation of water in a certain area. This water can come from several sources, such as rains, snow thaw, springs or groundwater.
2. Initial flow: When the water accumulates in a certain amount and the slope of the land allows, it begins to flow. Initially, this flow can be small and can be called rilla, which are small furrows in the ground where the water flows.
3. Erosion: Water flow tends to transport soil and rock particles, a process known as erosion. As water flows, it can carry sediments and wear out the floor and rocks of the stream bed.
4. Channel formation: Over time, erosion continues forms a channel on the ground. This channel deepens as water flows more frequently, transporting more sediments and expanding the stream bed.
5. Meanders Development: In flatter land, the stream can develop sinuous patterns called meanders. Meanders are formed as water erodes and deposits sediments in the stream curves.
6. Confluence: As the stream grows, it can receive water from smaller tributaries, such as streams or streams, through confluence processes. These tributaries contribute to the main stream flow.
7. Development of the drainage network: Over time, the stream can connect to a broader network of bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes, thus forming a larger drain system.
8. Ecosystem adaptations: As the stream sets, plants and animals adapt to their aquatic environment, forming a diverse riverside ecosystem.

The streams can be classified as different types according to various criteria, such as size, water source, flow rate, among others. Here are some common categories of streams:

• Intermittent or ephemeral stream: This type of stream has water only in certain periods of the year, as after the rains. During certain stations, the stream can be dried completely.
• Perennial stream: Unlike intermittent streams, perennial streams have water throughout the year. Its flow is not so affected by seasonal variations and can maintain a constant flow.
• Mountain stream: They originate in the mountains and usually have a rapid flow due to the steep terrain. They can contain crystalline waters and be important for wildlife.
• Plain or underground stream: They flow through flatter land and can have a slower flow. These streams are often widened in flood plains during periods of intense rain.
• Overflow stream: These streams can be filled rapidly during heavy rains and overflow from their normal channel, causing temporary floods in surrounding areas.
• MEANDRICO ARROYO: A stream that winds through the landscape, creating curves and turns. These pissing patterns can change over time due to erosion and deposition.
• Sewage stream: In urban areas, streams often receive waste and polluting waters, which can negatively affect water quality and aquatic life.
• First order stream, second order, etc.: The streams are classified according to their hierarchy in a drainage network. A first -order stream is one that has no tributaries, while a second -order stream is the union of two first -order streams, and so on.

Now that you know what a stream is and how it is formed, discover the parts of the river and its characteristics and how rivers are formed.

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