Factors affecting the volume and the speed of a river

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Area and Perimeter

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Factors affecting the volume and the speed of a river.

Permeability of rocks

more permeable rocks

less surface runoff lead to smaller volume of water in its channel.

less permeable rocks

will have a larger volume of water in its channel.

Size of drainage basin

if the drainage is large, therefore there is more surface area for rain to fall on.

if the drainage is small, therefore there is less surface area for rain to fall on or do not 'collect' as much.

Roughness of channel

lesser obstacle

smoother channel will have a higher speed.

it encounters obstacle

such as rocks, boulders, underwater vegetation or an uneven river bed.

friction will slow down the river flow and reduce the speed of the river.

Climate

hot and wet equatorial

have a high volume of water.

generally dry

volume of water remains low throughout the year.

distinct wet and dry seasons

the amount of water depends on the amount of rainfall received each season.

Presence of vegetation

sparse vegetation

does not allow much rainwater to infiltrate the ground, thus increasing the flow of surface runoff.

the volume of the river is larger.

abundant vegetation

allows more rainwater to infiltrate the ground, thus its reducing the flow of surface runoff.

the volume of water in the river is smaller.

vegetation intercepts rain and allows more water to infiltrate or seep into the ground

Wetted perimeter

if the perimeter is small, less friction. Therefore, the river will flow faster.

if the perimeter is large, the river will flow slowly

Gradient of channel

if the gradient is gentle, the river will tend to flow slowly.

if the gradient is steep, the river will flow quickly.