intermittent stream

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intermittent stream . (a) A stream or reach of a stream that flows only at certain times of the year, as when it receives water from springs or from some surface source. The term "may be arbitrarily restricted" to a stream that flows "continuously during periods of at least one month" (Meinzer, 1923, p.68). (b) A stream that does not flow continuously, as when water losses from evaporation or seepage exceed the available streamflow. Cf: ephemeral stream. Syn: temporary stream; seasonal stream.

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