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Stream Terminology

But, natural stream channels don't have a square meter cross-section shape and their velocity values vary a lot from spot to spot. As we shall see over the next few pages, a stream's cross-section can be complicated such that carrying out velocity measurements can be challenging. Before we consider how velocity values and channel shape are determined, let's examine a few terms used to describe streams.

Notice that there is a right and left bank of the stream. The sides of a stream are named (right or left) relative to a view downstream. The arrow shows the direction of flow, which in the diagram on the right is away from us.

Left/Right River Bank Diagram

In this diagram which side of the river is its left side?

Side A Side B

Click "Next" and we shall continue to find out about measuring stream velocity.

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River Bank Question Diagram

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