What is the Calculation of bifurcation ratio third order stream?

The bifurcation ratio (Rb) of a stream is a measure of the branching pattern of the stream network. It is calculated by dividing the number of streams of a given order by the number of streams of the next higher order. For example, the bifurcation ratio of third order streams is calculated by dividing the number of third order streams by the number of fourth order streams.

The bifurcation ratio of a stream network can be used to infer the underlying geology and hydrology of the area. For example, a high bifurcation ratio may indicate that the area is underlain by fractured or faulted bedrock, while a low bifurcation ratio may indicate that the area is underlain by more resistant bedrock.

The calculation of the bifurcation ratio of third order streams is as follows:

1. Identify all of the third order streams in the stream network.

2. Count the number of third order streams.

3. Identify all of the fourth order streams in the stream network.

4. Count the number of fourth order streams.

5. Divide the number of third order streams by the number of fourth order streams.

The result of this calculation is the bifurcation ratio of third order streams.