Final answer:
Streams in North Jersey generally begin in high elevation areas with faster current flows due to the narrow channels, while streams in South Jersey are wider with slower currents and higher sedimentation rates due to the coastal plain geography.
Step-by-step explanation:
Streams in New Jersey exhibit differences when comparing the northern and southern regions. In North Jersey, streams often begin in areas with a record of significant geological activity, such as the Appalachian Orogenies. These streams are characterized by their point of origin, known as source water, which is typically cold, low in nutrients, and clear due to the high elevation and steeper grades. This results in narrower stream channels and faster current flows.
Conversely, the streams in South Jersey are influenced by the coastal plain geography, leading to broader, slow-moving streams that lace through tidewater areas and wetlands. These southern streams tend to have wider channels and slower currents as they are closer to sea level and have less gradient to promote rapid flow. Additionally, the sedimentation rates in these streams are higher due to the slow-moving water and lower gradients.