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.
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.