GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gradient is the slope or steepness of a stream channel. It affects the stream’s velocity because the steeper the gradient is, the greater the velocity, due to gravity. Discharge is the volume of water flowing past a certain point in a given unit of time.

Detailed explanation-2: -The gradient of a stream is a measure of the vertical distance that a stream channel falls between two points along its course. gradient = vertical (altitude) change in channel (m) / distance between two points (km).

Detailed explanation-3: -Stream gradient (or stream slope) is the grade (or slope) of a stream measured by the ratio of drop in elevation per unit horizontal distance, usually expressed as meters per kilometer or feet per mile.

Detailed explanation-4: -In general, streams have steeper gradients near the headwaters (beginning or origin of the waterway) and level out as they approach the mouth (end) of the waterway.

Detailed explanation-5: -Flood Erosion and Deposition: As flood waters rise, the slope of the stream as it flows to its base level (e.g., the ocean or a lake) increases. Also, as stream depth increases, the hydraulic radius increases thereby making the stream more free flowing. Both of these factors lead to an increase in stream velocity.