A stream's equilibrium profile shows a delicate balance among gradient, discharge, flow velocity, channel shape and sediment load. We would say that the stream is ____.
A)superposed
B)incised
C)graded
D)divided
E)braided

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A stream with an equilibrium profile is said to be graded, meaning that it has achieved a balance between the various factors that shape its channel and move sediment. The other choices are not applicable to this situation; superposition refers to the deposition of sedimentary rock layers on top of each other, incision is the process of lowering the channel floor by erosion, division typically refers to the separation of flow into multiple channels, and braiding refers to a specific channel pattern characterized by multiple interconnected channels separated by islands.

A Stream's Equilibrium Profile Shows a Delicate Balance Among Gradient