headstream
Headstream is a term used in hydrology to refer to the source portion of a river or stream, or to one of the upper tributaries that feed a larger river. The word is often used interchangeably with headwaters, though some contexts distinguish headstreams as individual upstream contributors rather than the entire upper portion of a river. The term derives from head, meaning the source, and stream, the flowing watercourse.
Headstreams originate in elevated or highland areas and are commonly fed by springs, snowmelt, glaciers, or
In hydrological studies, headstreams are monitored for discharge, temperature, and water chemistry to understand baseflow and
Distinctions among related terms can vary by region. Generally, headstream refers to an upstream contributor or
See also: headwaters, river source, watershed, tributary, discharge.