mesothermal stream

Mesothermal stream regimes are a classification of perennial streams found in midlatitude climates. These regimes can exhibit characteristics similar to tropical areas, with single or double summer peaks in discharge corresponding to seasonal rainfall. Alternatively, they may show sustained flow with slight decreases during warmer months. In regions with dry summers, streamflow significantly diminishes or ceases during the warmer half of the year. When meltwater influences these climates, streams typically have lower discharge in winter and higher discharge in spring. Mesothermal regimes can be less predictable than megathermal or microthermal regimes.1

The term "mesothermal" itself, when referring to deposits, means formed from warm waters at intermediate depths under moderate temperature and pressure conditions.2