Question

Select all of the following features that you would find in an early stage stream:

a) Steep gradient
b) Low gradient
c) Moderate gradient
d) Some vertical with more lateral erosion
e) Mostly vertical erosion
f) Mostly lateral erosion
g) Heavy downcutting and rapids
h) Large floodplain
i) Moderate floodplain

Answer 1

In an early stage stream, you would typically find a steep gradient, mostly vertical erosion, heavy downcutting and rapids, and some vertical with more lateral erosion as the stream gradually begins to meander and widen its valley.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify features you would find in an early stage stream, let's consider the characteristics of such a stream. At this youthful stage, the stream typically exhibits a steep gradient (a) because it originates at higher elevations with steep slopes, leading to a rapid water flow. Moreover, one can expect mostly vertical erosion (e) due to the steep gradient causing a significant energy in the downward movement of water that carves into the bedrock. There will also be heavy downcutting (g) and potentially rapids since the high energy of the water is erosive, cutting deeply into the stream bed. Lastly, these characteristics contribute to some vertical erosion but more lateral erosion (d) as the stream starts to meander and widen its valley over time.