Question

As time goes on, the mountainous topography is worn down, the stream valley becomes wider, and the stream begins develops bends. These characteristics are typical of what are called __________ stage streams.

Answer 1

The student's question describes characteristics typical of a mature stage river or stream, which develops wider valleys, slower flowing water, and meanders due to sedimentation as it erodes surrounding terrain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics described in the student's question are indicative of a river or stream in the mature stage of its life cycle. As a stream ages, the gravitational pull of the earth continues to erode the mountainous terrain through which it flows. This process leads to the widening of the stream valley and the development of bends or meanders due to the sedimentation within the slower-moving water. Over time, the topography flattens, the stream channel broadens, and the flow of water becomes slower, depositing coarse sediments along the way.

Initially, streams begin as narrow, clear, and fast-flowing headwaters. As they descend, they widen, slow down, and begin to meander, forming a braided river with a network of channels that may divide and rejoin, eventually depositing their load in a delta or other deposition zone. This evolution is influenced by the decrease in gradient, increased volume as tributaries join, and the varying abiotic features encountered along the river's length.