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Chapter 14: Problem 11

Differentiate between stream competence and stream capacity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Stream competence refers to the maximum size of the particles a stream can transport (including large boulders), whereas stream capacity refers to the total amount of sediment (including both large and fine particles) that a stream is capable of carrying. In essence, competence tends to deal with 'size' of carried material, while capacity deals with 'total amount' of transported sediment, irrespective of size.

Step by step solution

01

Define Stream Competence

Stream competence refers to the measurement of the maximum size of the particles that the stream can transport. This includes large materials such as rocks and boulders that the stream can carry with its flow.
02

Define Stream Capacity

Stream capacity, on the other hand, is the total amount of the sediment a stream can transport. This includes both the coarse material (like rocks) and finer elements (like sand and silt). The greater the capacity, the more sediment a stream can carry.
03

Highlighting Differences

Comparing competence and capacity, one could say that the primary difference lies in what they measure - competence represents the 'size' of the materials a stream can carry, while capacity deals with the 'total amount' of sediment it can transport, regardless of size.

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