Now suppose a stream has a high volume but a low gradient. How might the
stream change the land? Provide your reasoning
If a stream has a high volume but a low gradient, it means that even though there is a significant amount of water flowing through the stream, the streambed has a gentle slope. This characteristic of the stream will have certain effects on the land:
1. Erosion: While the gradient is low, the high volume of water will still have erosive power. Over time, the stream will erode the land it flows through, primarily through the processes of hydraulic action (force of flowing water), abrasion (sediment transport), and corrosion (dissolving minerals). The water will remove loose soil particles and slowly wear away the streambed and banks.
2. Deposition: Although the stream has a high volume, its low gradient means it lacks the energy required to transport all the sediment it erodes. Consequently, the stream will deposit a significant amount of sediment along its course. This can result in the formation of banks or levees composed of fine sediment.
3. Meandering: A stream with a high volume and low gradient tends to have a meandering pattern. The water flow will shift from side to side, eroding the outer bank and depositing sediment on the inner bend. As the stream continuously erodes and deposits sediment, it will slowly create a curved shape in its path, known as a meander. Over time, the stream may even cut off sections, forming oxbow lakes.
4. Flooding: The high volume of water in the stream, combined with the low gradient, decreases the stream's ability to carry water away quickly. This often leads to frequent flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. As the water spreads over the surrounding land, it can cause soil erosion and deposition, affecting the overall landscape.
In summary, a stream with high volume but low gradient will erode the land through hydraulic action, abrasion, and corrosion, deposit sediment, create meandering patterns, and increase the likelihood of flooding. These processes will slowly reshape the surrounding land over time.