SPATIAL
VARIATION OF STREAM POWER IN
THE BUZĂU AND IALOMIŢA RIVER CATCHMENTS (ROMANIA)
G. MINEA , G. IOANA-TOROIMAC, L. ZAHARIA, R. ZAREA , M. BORCAN
ABSTRACT. - Spatial variation of stream power in the Buzău and Ialomiţa River
Catchments (Romania). Stream power is a parameter that quantifies river energy,
respectively its work ability. The aim of this paper is to estimate the stream
power of rivers from the Buzău and Ialomiţa catchments and to present the
difficulties in calculating and interpreting its variation. Cross-sections
accomplished by the National Administration "Romanian Waters" were used in
fulfilling this objective, at hydrometric stations on the Ialomiţa, Prahova,
Buzău, Bāsca Chiojdului and Bāsca Rivers. Based on these profiles, and using
hydraulic methods, parameters like flow velocity, discharge and stream power
were calculated. Analysis results indicate that the rivers draining the
Carpathian and Subcarpathian regions are dynamic. They have a specific stream
power of more than 150 W/m² and are susceptible to rapid evolution. In the
Romanian Plain rivers are less energetic (a specific stream power below 40 W/m²,
excluding river sectors with braided trends and incised channels). Also they are
characterized by a less intensive dynamic.
Keywords: stream power, bankfull discharge, river channel, Buzău River
catchment, Ialomiţa River catchment.