The short but almost continuous flow of water is called a stream.
A stream is a short but almost continuous flow of water . The term, with etymological origin in the Latin ruggia , is used to also name the channel through which said flow flows or the part of the street through which the waters usually flow.
For example: "Juan went fishing in the stream: I suppose he will return at dusk" , "Marcela was swimming in the stream when the storm broke out" , "The drought made the stream disappear" .
Stream characteristics
It can be said, therefore, that a stream is a stream of water that usually flows continuously . Its low flow differentiates it from a river since the stream can even disappear in the driest seasons of the year.
So much so that many streams have been used for the construction of houses a few meters from their bed, and people live peacefully all year round, simply having to endure the rainy season and the subsequent flooding of the road, although in some places the presence of water does not last more than a few days. Such is the case of Arroyo de Totalán , for example, which is located a few kilometers from the city of Málaga , in the Spanish region of Andalusia ; Its inhabitants lead a normal life and only have to accept a few days of incommunication a year.
Streams can flow into a river , a lake or the sea . The shallowest part of the stream, which can even be crossed on foot, is called a ford , a bath , a bath , or a spa .
There are streams that run through towns or cities.
More considerations
The streams are often not navigable due to their low flow. It is possible, however, to find streams that can be crossed with small boats. In some South American countries, the notion of stream is used to name true short rivers that are navigable throughout the year.
Tropical streams, as well as streams, have less stability than rivers, and their bed can go from being completely dry to presenting a powerful torrent almost 10 meters deep in just a few hours , due to a heavy rain. The smaller ones cannot be observed from the air, since they pass beneath the canopy of forest trees.
Although the stream is not particularly striking, it is a body of water that is home to a significant number of animal species; In rainforests it usually houses several species of insects, some amphibians and fish. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that it is also a source of water for many terrestrial individuals.
Problems with the streams of Barranquilla
The Colombian city of Barranquilla must face the problems generated by the significant flows of water that, during the winter, circulate through its streams. In 1920 , Herbard & Company Inc. studied the situation and proposed to the authorities the need to create a storm sewer system , but a lack of funds meant that Barranquilla was left without protection against rainy seasons.
Almost four decades later, another company recommended the canalization of certain streams, which was also not carried out, and currently the inhabitants pay the consequences.
Other meanings of the term
Another use of the term is symbolic and is linked to the tributary of any liquid : "The murderer stabbed him with the dagger and a stream of blood began to flow from his entrails," "The news generated a stream of tears among those present."
Arroyo is also the name of several towns and a fairly common surname in Latin America : "My grandfather was born in Arroyo, a town in Cantabria," "Carlos Arroyo is my favorite player on the Puerto Rico basketball team."