how do moving sediments affect the channel of a stream?
2007-11-27 15:26:48 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Moving sediments alter the shape of a stream, especially if it as a low gradient. Low gradient streams that carry a lot of sediments will "meander" or form large, looping bends or become "braided" with lots of interwoven streams. Enough sediment can choke off parts of the streams and cause oxbow lakes.
In high gradient streams, the sediment is carried too fast to dramatically alter the channel shape, but it can cause alluvial fans to form when the streams abruptly hit a lower gradient surface. (i.e. the foot of a mountain.)
2007-11-27 16:35:17 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sediments are any particulate matter that can be transported by fluid flow and which eventually is deposited as a layer of solid particles on the bed or bottom of a body of water or other liquid. Sedimentation is the deposition by settling of a suspended material.
2007-11-27 15:34:52 · answer #2 · answered by angelo t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you look at a river from the air you will see that it winds back and forth. This is because erosion occurs on the fast moving outside edges of the curves while sediment is dropped on the inside edges.
2007-11-27 15:42:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition the sediments can aid in scouring bedrock.
2007-11-27 15:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by geobri_28 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋