The stream channels derive their physical characteristics from the
geological make-up of the area and from land-use. The Arkansas River
typically has low banks; however, in a few places, as in the NE 1/4 of
Section 21, T. 33 S, R. 3 E, it cuts into limestone members to form
steep rocky banks. The bottom is predominantly sand. In years of heavy
rainfall the river is turbid, but during 1956, when it occupied only a
small portion of its channel, it was clear each time observed. All
streams surveyed were clear except after short periods of flooding in
June, and except in some isolated pools where cattle had access to the
water.
In the Walnut River, sand bottoms occur in the lower part of the stream
but the sand is coarser than that of the Arkansas River. Upstream,
gravel and rubble bottoms become more common. Steep rocky banks border
most of the course of the Walnut. During 1956, stream-flow was confined
to the center of the channel, remote from these rocky banks.
The rubble and bedrock bottoms found in most streams of the Flint Hills
have been described. In the alluvial valleys of their lower courses mud
bottoms are found. Gravel is present in some places but sand is absent.
Banks are variable but often steep and wooded. Along east- or
west-flowing streams the north bank characteristically is low and
sloping whereas the south bank is high, rises abruptly, and in many
places is continuous with wooded hills. The lower sections of Otter
Creek, Cedar Creek, and Rock Creek fit this description (Bass, 1929:19)
especially well, as does Elk River near Howard.
Streams in the Chautauqua Hills resemble those of the Flint Hills in
physical characteristics, except that a larger admixture of sandstone
occurs in the rubble.