Final answer:
Ephemeral streams are characterized by their intermittent water flow, which occurs either episodically or during a specific portion of the year, unlike perennial rivers that have a constant flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ephemeral streams are characterized by having flowing water either episodically or during a portion of the year. They are not like braided rivers, which consist of a network of channels that split and rejoin, nor are they like channels that are highly sinuous or curvy, which are often associated with meandering rivers.
Ephemeral streams typically occur in environments where there is limited precipitation or in areas where water is only available for part of the year, leading to intermittent flow patterns.
The abiotic features of ephemeral streams, like those of other types of rivers and streams, are influenced by their origins. Near the source, the water is often cold, low in nutrients, and clear with a narrow channel, influencing the flow rate and sediment transport.
However, as the stream moves away from the source, it may receive runoffs during rainy seasons, which can contribute to the episodic nature of its water flow. Unlike perennial rivers, such as the Nile, Amazon, and Mississippi, which have water flowing year-round, ephemeral streams do not have a constant presence of water throughout the year.