What is a perennial stream?
Q: What is a perennial stream?
A: A perennial stream is a stream or river that always flows in some parts all year round during years of normal rainfall.
Q: How are perennial streams different from intermittent streams?
A: Perennial streams flow all year round, while intermittent streams normally stop flowing for weeks or months each year.
Q: What are ephemeral streams?
A: Ephemeral streams flow only for hours or days after rainfall.
Q: Under what conditions may a perennial stream stop flowing?
A: During unusually dry years or a drought, a perennial stream may stop flowing.
Q: Can the differences between perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams change?
A: Yes, the differences between these types of streams are not exact and can change if different measures are used by different groups.
Q: Can a stream still be considered flowing in dry weather?
A: Yes, in dry weather it may not be possible to see the water flowing or see any water at all, but if there is enough water to support aquatic life, the stream is still considered flowing.
Q: What types of aquatic life can live in a stream?
A: Aquatic life that can live in a stream includes fish and gill-breathing amphibians, benthic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
