Streambeds merit recognition as a scientific discipline

Streambeds are generally viewed as simply sediments beneath streams, sediments topping alluvial aquifers, or sediments housing aquatic life, rather than as distinct geographic features comparable to soils and surficial geologic materials within watersheds. Streambeds should be viewed as akin to soils. Specifically, soils are often described as surficial sediments created largely by atmospheric weathering of underlying geologic parent material. Similarly, streambeds should be described as submerged sediments created largely by streamflow modification of underlying geologic parent material. Streambeds are overdue for recognition as their own scientific discipline alongside numerous other well-recognized disciplines within watersheds. The point is stated that hyporheic zones are regularly considered comparable to streambeds, but this is as misguided as equating unsaturated zones to soils. Streambeds and soils are physical geographic features of relatively constant volume, while hyporheic and unsaturated zones are hydrologic features of varying volume. This opinion piece suggests Streambed Science as the proposed discipline, requiring well-designed protocols to physically characterize streambeds and develop streambed taxonomy for suitable recognition. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.