can streams run underground. Can they start above ground and run nunderground. PLease help me, I am so so stuck.
Yes.
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/water/general/karst/sinkhole_flooding.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subterranean_river
thanks ms. sue
Yes, streams can run underground. This phenomenon is known as "subterranean streams" or "underground rivers." They can start above ground and then flow underground due to various geological factors.
To understand how and why streams can run underground, we need to consider the concept of groundwater. Groundwater refers to the water that fills the spaces between soil particles, rocks, and other underground materials. When rainwater falls onto the Earth's surface, some of it infiltrates into the ground and becomes groundwater.
Groundwater flows depending on the permeability of the underground materials it encounters. Permeability refers to how easily fluids can pass through a substance. Some types of rocks, such as limestone, have high permeability, allowing water to move through them easily. These rocks often contain cracks, fissures, or even cave systems that can serve as conduits for underground water flow.
In the case of streams running underground, they typically start as surface streams. Over time, the flowing water can erode the land and create underground channels. This process can happen naturally through the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone or due to other geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, or tectonic movements. As the channels become more pronounced, water can flow completely underground, creating subterranean streams.
It's important to note that not all above-ground streams have underground counterparts. The potential for a stream to run underground depends on the geology of the area and the presence of permeable underground materials.
If you are specifically interested in a particular stream or area, it would be helpful to investigate the local geology. Geological maps, hydrological studies, or consulting with local experts can provide valuable information about the presence of underground streams in a specific region.