Encyclopedia of Geomorphology, Arid Land Hydrography, and Desert Topographies

• Arroyo — A geographical term of Hispanic origin utilized internationally to designate the dry, deep, and steep bed of a stream or torrent located in an arid or semi-arid region, which rapidly floods with water only after short, violent rainstorms. The phenomenon is characteristic of desert or steppe landscapes, frequently causing flash floods and intense linear soil erosion.