Question

Compare the characteristics of rivers and streams.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

A river is a reservoir of fresh water and is a natural watercourse. It normally flows into an ocean or sea. Sometimes it joins a lake or other river. Rivers constitute complex fluvial ecosystems that can host several thousand species of living beings and that is, therefore, the support of a complex network of ecological relationships. A stream on the other hand is a small river, it has a low flow, which may even disappear in the dry season, summer or winter, depending on the rainy season for its existence. A stream can also be a narrow channel between islands. Generally a river is bigger and deeper compared to a stream. However it should not be considered as a general rule. Flexibility is vital because some streams are larger than some rivers.

Answer 2

Streams are water bodies that add up when they meet and when they form a large river. In every other situation they exist by themselves. Streams have current. Rivers on the other hand are water bodies that originate in hills and mountains. When glaciers melt rivers are formed. Some of the differences between rivers and streams are: Streams have narrow banks, rivers have wider banks. Streams are more turbulent than rivers. Streams are shallower than rivers. Both streams and rivers have a current. Rivers cannot be formed without streams.