Stream capture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Stream capture
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stream capture, river capture, or stream piracy is a geomorphological phenomenon occurring when a stream or river drainage system or watershed is diverted from its own bed, and flows instead down the bed of a neighbouring stream. This can happen for several reasons, including: Tectonic earth movements, where the slope of the land changes, and the stream is tipped out of its former course. Natural damming, such as by a landslide or ice sheet. Erosion, either Headward erosion of one stream valley upwards into another, or Lateral erosion of a meander through the higher ground dividing the adjacent streams. Within an area of karst topography, where streams may sink, or flow underground (a sinking or losing stream) and then reappear in a nearby stream valley. The additional water flowing down the capturing stream may accelerate erosion and encourage the development of a canyon (gorge). The now-dry valley of the original stream is known as a wind gap.

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Stream capture by headward erosion, leaving a wind gap.

Contents
1 Capture mechanisms 1.1 Tectonic uplift 1.2 Glacial damming 1.3 Headward erosion 1.4 Karst 2 Effect on freshwater life 2.1 Australian freshwater fish 3 See also

Capture mechanisms
Tectonic uplift
Barmah Choke

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_capture

5/19/2012