The stream order increases as tributaries join together, reflecting the hierarchical structure of the river network. The highest stream order is found on the main stem of the river in the downstream portion of the watershed.
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Using this classification system in the Ausable watershed, we can summarize the following about stream order:
The remaining streams within the Ausable watershed are all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order streams. The map and diagram below illustrate the distribution and total length of stream order classes within the Ausable watershed using data from the U.S. Geological Survey's National Hydrography Dataset.
Map showing the Ausable River watershed and its network of tributaries drawn according to their Strahler stream order classification.
The total length of streams in the Ausable watershed by Strahler stream order. The solid blue "best-fit" line shows the relationship between the two variables expressed by the equation on the diagram.
Classifying Strahler stream order provides a baseline for further scientific analyses of river landscapes. Streams with the same order often share similar charactersitics within the same region. Knowing the stream order of a particular tributary gives scientists a framework for anticipating the stable channel dimensions or the composition of the biological community that might be present within that system. It is not only a convenient way to classify and analyze river networks, but it also aids in our understanding of hydrologic, geomorphic, and ecological processes that occur from the headwaters to the outlet of the basin.
Story by Gary Henry, Stream Restoration Manager.
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