Stream Bank

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-026942",
  "term": "Stream Bank",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The margins of a channel. Banks are called right or left as viewed facing in the direction of the flow.\n\n2. Feature that defines the channel sides and contains stream flow within the channel; this is the portion of the channel bank that is between the toe of the bank slope and the bankfull elevation. The banks are distinct from the streambed, which is normally wetted and provides a substrate that supports aquatic organisms. The top of bank is the point where an abrupt change in slope is evident, and where the stream is generally able to overflow the banks and enter the adjacent floodplain during flows at or exceeding the average annual high water.",
  "references": [
    "Adapted from USGS Science in your Watershed Definitions",
    "USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Hydraulic Geometry Curves Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/stream-bank/"
}