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Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors is most likely to cause a stream to carry a larger load of sediment downstream?
A
Dense vegetation along the stream banks
B
Increased water velocity due to heavy rainfall
C
Decreased slope of the stream bed
D
Lower volume of water flow
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of sediment load: Sediment load refers to the amount of sediment (particles like sand, silt, and clay) carried by a stream. Factors influencing sediment load include water velocity, volume, and slope of the stream bed.
Analyze the role of water velocity: Increased water velocity, often caused by heavy rainfall, provides more energy to the stream, enabling it to pick up and transport larger amounts of sediment downstream. This is a key factor in sediment transport.
Evaluate the impact of stream bed slope: A decreased slope reduces the gravitational pull on the water, slowing its velocity. Slower water velocity means less energy to carry sediment, so this factor would decrease sediment load.
Consider the effect of water volume: Lower water volume reduces the stream's capacity to carry sediment. A higher volume of water flow, on the other hand, can increase sediment transport, but only if accompanied by sufficient velocity.
Assess the influence of vegetation: Dense vegetation along stream banks stabilizes the soil, reducing erosion and sediment entering the stream. This factor would decrease the sediment load rather than increase it.