Erosion in a Stream: Where Does It Happen Most?

Where in a stream will most erosion happen?

a. Where discharge is lowest.
b. Where the land is flat (no slope).
c. Where velocity is low.
d. Where the gradient is steepest.

Final answer:

In a stream, erosion will happen where the gradient is steepest.

Erosion in a Stream

In a stream, most erosion will occur where the gradient is steepest. When the gradient is steeper, the water flows faster and with more force, which leads to greater erosion. The force of the water is able to pick up and transport more sediment, causing increased erosion.

Factors such as discharge, land slope, and velocity can also contribute to erosion in a stream but are not the primary determining factors of where it will occur most. For example, discharge refers to the amount of water flowing in the stream, so a higher discharge can lead to more erosion. However, the question specifically asks for the location of most erosion, and that is where the gradient is steepest.