As stream discharge increases ______.
A) velocity, width, and depth decrease
B) only velocity increases
C) only depth increases
D) velocity, width, and depth increase

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the law of continuity, as stream discharge (the amount of water flowing through a given cross-section of a stream) increases, velocity, width, and depth must all increase to maintain a constant discharge. This is because the same amount of water must flow through a larger cross-sectional area, which requires an increase in velocity, width, and depth. Therefore, D is the correct choice.

As Stream Discharge Increases ______