Explaining our hypotheses Flashcards
Hypothesis 1 - With increased distance downstream there will be a greater catchment area feeding the stream. Thus there will be an increased quantity of water in the channel, creating a larger channel size which will lead to an increased hydraulic radius. This means the velocity will be higher and so discharge should increase.
Hypothesis 2 - If discharge increases the river will have greater potential energy, so the competence and capacity of the river will increase. This will result in a greater amount of transportation e.g. by solution, suspension, saltation and traction. Because of this there will be more erosion occuring e.g. by hydraulic action, abrasion (corrasion), attrition and corrosion (solution). So, as there will be a greater amount of erosion, the average sediment size should become smaller and rounder.
