Runoff

Water flowing downslope along the Earth's surface

Watershed

All of the land area whose water drains into a stream system. 

Divide

A high land area that separates one watershed from another.   

Suspension

Method of transport for all particles small enough to be held up by moving water. 

Bed load

Sand, pebbles, and cobbles that a stream's water can roll or push along the bed of the stream 

Discharge

Measure of the volume of stream water that flows past a particular location. 

Flood

Water spills over the sides of a stream's banks 

Floodplain

Broad, flat area that extends out from a stream's bank and is covered by excess water during flood times. 

Stream channel

Moving water carves a narrow pathway into the sediment or rock 

Stream banks

Hold moving water within them. 

Base level

Elevation at which a stream enters another body of water 

Meander

Bend or curve in a stream channel caused by moving water. 

Delta

Triangular deposit that forms where a stream enters a large body of water 

Rejuvenation

Stream resumes the process of downcutting toward its base level. 

Lake

Bodies of water surrounded by land. 

Eutrophication

Process by which the land enriches bodies of water and causes excessive plant growth. 

Wetland

Any land area covered by water for part of the year.