Stream bed

A streambed is usually a mix of particle sizes which depends on the water velocity and the materials introduced from upstream and from the watershed.

Silts and clays, although smaller than sands, can sometimes stick together, making them harder to move along the streambed.

[2] For example, an anabranch may form when a section of stream or river goes around a small island and then rejoins the main channel.

The buildup of sediment on a streambed may cause a channel to be abandoned in favor of a new one (avulsion (river)).

[6] The intensity and frequency of both drought and rain events are expected to increase with climate change.

In undisturbed natural areas, flood water would be able to spread out within a floodplain and vegetation of either grassland or forest, would slow and absorb peak flows.

This causes an increase in flooding and watershed erosion which can lead to thinner soils upslope.