Stream Order

A classification system that represents the relative position of streams in a drainage basin. The highest tributaries in the basin are first order streams. These converge to form second order streams, which have only first order streams as their tributaries. Third order streams form by the confluence of two second order streams. The numbering system continues downstream resulting in higher stream orders.

Related terms:

• basin order
• channel order
• Effluent Stream
• stream-gradient ratio
• stream-length ratio
• stream frequency
• stream gradient
• third-order climatological station
• resequent stream
• first-order climatological station