Chapter 17, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The role of streams in a hydrologic cycle and the various sources of water in streams.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Streams act as the agents that carry water from the elevated areas of the continents, such as mountains down to the sea. Precipitation, runoff from the adjoining areas, groundwater discharge and influx from tributaries are the major sources of stream water.

Explanation of Solution

A stream refers to a body of running water which flows through a channel. The streams serve a major role in the hydrological cycle. They carry the water from the higher regions down to the sea. Thus, they add to the seawater.

The streams receive water directly from the precipitation. The rainwater falls into them directly and adds water. The melting of the snow or glacial ice also feeds some of the streams. When the ground is saturated with water, it can accommodate no more water, then the water reaching the ground during precipitation do not percolate down, rather run off of water occurs to the streams from the adjoining regions.

The groundwater discharge is yet another source of stream water. Sometimes, the groundwater enters the stream channel through the springs. The tributaries also carries from different sources to feed the main stream. At times, the water infiltrating into the ground also reaches the streams. The water that get accumulated in the puddles and swamps on a slope region drains its water into a stream.