Chapter 17: Problem 8

What are three components of sediment load in a stream?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The three components of sediment load in a stream are: 1. Suspended load: fine particles such as silt and clay, carried in the water column and move at the same velocity as the water. 2. Bed load: larger sediment particles like sand and gravel, transported along the bottom of the stream through a process called "saltation." 3. Dissolved load: dissolved minerals and ions transported in the water molecules, typically making up the smallest portion of sediment load.

Step by step solution

Component 1: Suspended Load

Suspended load is the fine particles such as silt and clay that are carried in the water column of a stream. These particles are small enough to be kept suspended in the water by the turbulent motion of the stream, and they move at about the same velocity as the water. Suspended load typically makes up the largest portion of a stream's sediment load.

Component 2: Bed Load

Bed load consists of larger sediment particles such as sand, gravel, and sometimes even boulders that move along the bottom of the stream. These particles are too heavy to be carried in suspension and are instead transported through a process called "saltation." In saltation, particles are lifted off the stream bed by the water's force, and then they fall back to the bed, creating a sort of hopping or jumping motion.

Component 3: Dissolved Load

Dissolved load refers to the dissolved minerals and ions that are transported in the water itself. Dissolved load is carried in solution, meaning that these substances are dissolved in the water molecules and cannot be seen or felt. Some dissolved load materials, such as calcium and magnesium, can later form precipitates when the water becomes saturated. Dissolved load typically makes up the smallest portion of a stream's sediment load.

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What are three components of sediment load in a stream?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Component 1: Suspended Load

Component 2: Bed Load

Component 3: Dissolved Load

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