Concept in Definition ABC

The word stream is formed by the lexeme ria (which is equivalent to River) and the suffix stream, which acts as a diminutive. In this way, a stream is a very small river, especially since it has a flow of Water very reduced, to the point that at some times of the year it may disappear due to the drought.

Characteristics that define the Riachuelo and differentiate it from the Rivers

As is known, a river is a channel of water that flows over the surface of the earth. The water accumulates on a mountainous summit and descends until it reaches its mouth in the sea. This process is not exactly the same in the case of streams, since they occur because the land has slopes and variations in its relief and in these small natural channels the water accumulates, thus forming a creek. Normally these small channels descend and join a larger stream or river.

In most cases, the water in streams does not come from the surface of the earth, but comes from groundwater; in such a way that the water deposited in the aquifers emerges to the outside and creates a stream. This phenomenon explains its low flow, especially if we compare it with that of most rivers.

Sometimes, streams occur in very rainy seasons, when rivers and their tributaries are overflowing and create new channels. Thus, a stream could be a tributary of another tributary.

Related terms

If we talk about the rivers, we find a series of terms with a certain similarity: estuary, tributary, torrent, ravine, promenade, ravine, stream or stream, among many others. As they all have a likeness (in all there is water that flows), it is worth the pain clarify its meaning.

An estuary is formed by a Valley that is flooded with water due to the elevation of the sea (it could also be said that it is an inlet or arm of the sea). A tributary is a secondary branch of a river and it normally has a lower length and flow than the main river.

In the case of torrents

A torrent is a natural water stream, with quite a slope, which is usually located near a place mountainous and whose water flow is occasional (as a synonym for torrent in some areas it is called promenade). A ravine is a channel deep in the earth that has been formed by a stream of water. Finally, a ravine is equivalent A gorge or stream, they are located between mountains and have a very low flow.

On conclusion, stream is one of the different concepts that we use to refer to a type of flow.