Short description: Flow of water in a stream caused by gravity
The water in this stream forms varying currents as it makes its way downhill
A current in a stream is the flow of water influenced by gravity as the water moves downhill to reduce its potential energy. The current varies spatially as well as temporally within the stream, dependent upon the flow volume of water, stream gradient, and channel geometry. In tidal zones, the current and streams may reverse on the flood tide before resuming on the ebb tide.
See also
Physics:Discharge (hydrology) – Flow rate of water that is transported through a given cross-sectional area
Earth:Ocean current – Directional mass flow of oceanic water generated by external or internal forces
Physics:Rheoscope – Instrument for measuring fluid viscosity
Biology:Rheotaxis
Earth:Rip current – Water current moving away from shore
Physics:Volumetric flow rate – Volume of fluid which passes per unit time