Rapids

Rapids are sections of a river where the river bed has a relatively steep gradient, causing an increase in water velocity and turbulence. Flow, gradient, constriction, and obstacles are four factors that are needed for a rapid to be created. Rapids are hydrological features between a run (a smoothly flowing part of a stream) and a cascade. Rapids are characterized by the river becoming shallower with some rocks exposed above the flow surface. As flowing water splashes over and around the rocks, air bubbles become mixed in with it and portions of the surface acquire a white color, forming what is called "whitewater". Rapids occur where the bed material is highly resistant to the erosive power of the stream in comparison with the bed downstream of the rapids. Very young streams flowing across solid rock may be rapids for much of their length. Rapids cause water aeration of the stream or river, resulting in better water quality. Rapids are categorized in classes, generally running from I to VI. A Class 5 rapid may be categorized as Class 5.1-5.9. While Class I rapids are easy to navigate and require little maneuvering, Class VI rapids pose threat to life with little or no chance for rescue. River rafting sports are carried out where many rapids are present in the course. File:Rapids before the Rhine Falls.jpg|Rapids featuring whitewater, close to the [[Rhine Falls]] File:Violent water below Niagara Falls.jpg|Violent water below [[Niagara Falls]] File:RapidsonMississippiRiverOntario.jpg|Rapids on the [[Mississippi River (Ontario)]] in [[Pakenham, Ontario]], Canada. File:Rapids on Maumee River above Toledo, Ohio - DPLA - 84b5711224c89b44832b7e7d0f6c27c9 (page 1).jpg|Historical image of the river rapids on the [[Maumee River]] in Ohio File:Uusimaa, Finland - panoramio - pan-opticon (22).jpg|The [[Kuhakoski]] rapids in [[Uusimaa]], [[Finland]] In order for a rapid to form, there needs to be a gradient, which is essentially the downhill slope of a stream or river. When a river has a larger gradient, the water flows downhill faster.