Description
Return density × gravity × discharge × slope and divide by width.
Geomorphic process terms summarize a supplied flow, slope, area, or sediment relation. Such a term describes the selected model; it does not establish erosion rate, transport capacity, or the complete process from one number.
Return density × gravity × discharge × slope and divide by width.
When to use this tool
Use Stream Power Unit Width Term when you need one process-model term with explicit supplied parameters.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter waterDensity, gravity, discharge, energySlope, width. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read totalPowerPerLength, powerPerBedArea. Use the output convention below.
Require positive waterDensity, gravity, and width and nonnegative discharge and energySlope. Return density × gravity × discharge × slope and divide by width.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| waterDensity | Water Density | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| gravity | Gravity | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| discharge | Discharge | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| energySlope | Energy Slope | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| width | Width or interval span on the measurement basis above. | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| totalPowerPerLength | ρgQS in W/m when all inputs use SI, despite total in the name. | Required. Finite number. |
| powerPerBedArea | Power per channel length divided by width, in W/m² with SI inputs. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"waterDensity": 1000,
"gravity": 9.8,
"discharge": 10,
"energySlope": 0.01,
"width": 5
},
"output": {
"totalPowerPerLength": 980,
"powerPerBedArea": 196
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- With SI inputs the outputs are W/m channel length and W/m² bed area, not total watts; this is a supplied stream-power term without sediment transport, hydraulic calibration, or erosion prediction.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use the complete process model and site observations for interpretation. Review units, reach averaging, model calibration, and uncertainty rather than treating a local proxy as an observed process rate.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Channel Chi Coordinate One Reach Term
Multiply length by (referenceArea/drainageArea)^concavity for increment and add chiDownstream.
- Sediment Budget Storage One Compartment
Return inflow+production-outflow rate and add rate times duration to initialStorage.