Stream Profile

We’ll begin by exploring several physical features which can commonly be identified within a stream channel corridor. Streams are typically characterized by a repeating pattern of pools, deep areas with slowly moving water, riffles, shallow areas with more turbulent water, and runs, segments with relatively smoothly flowing water. The thalweg of the stream is the “channel within the stream channel,” characterized by the deepest water flow.

Above: Water moves rapidly over rocks in a riffle.

Above: Stream velocity slows in a deep pool.