Stream discharge is measured in which of the following units?

Stream discharge refers to the volume of water that flows through a river or stream over a specific period of time. The standard unit for measuring this discharge is cubic feet per second (CFS). This unit effectively represents how much water is passing a certain point in the stream every second, making it practical for hydrological studies, engineering applications, and water resource management.

Using cubic feet per second allows for a clear understanding of flow rates and makes it easier to quantify water movement in rivers and streams, especially in the context of flood forecasting, water quality assessments, and ecosystem health evaluations. Additionally, cubic feet is compatible with many other measurements used in hydrology, aligning with the units commonly used in the field for understanding flow dynamics.

In contrast, the other units listed, such as cubic inches per minute, cubic gallons per hour, and cubic millimeters per day, are less commonly used or applicable in hydrology due to the scale and practicality for larger water bodies. These alternatives do not align with the typical measurements used in stream studies and would not provide as effective a unit for assessing larger river flow.