What is the difference between stream discharge and velocity?

Stream discharge and velocity are two important characteristics of a river or stream.

Stream discharge is the volume of water that flows past a given point in a river or stream over a given period of time. It is typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s). Discharge is influenced by several factors, including rainfall, snowmelt, groundwater inflow, and the size and shape of the river or stream.

Stream velocity is the speed at which water is flowing in a river or stream. It is typically measured in meters per second (m/s). Velocity is influenced by several factors, including the slope of the river or stream, the amount of water flowing in the river or stream, and the roughness of the river or stream bed.

In general, discharge and velocity are positively correlated, meaning that as discharge increases, velocity also increases. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when a river or stream is dammed, which can cause the discharge to decrease but the velocity to increase.

Understanding discharge and velocity is important for a variety of reasons, including flood prediction, water management, and the design of bridges and other structures.