What does a decrease in a stream's velocity typically lead to?

What does a decrease in a stream's velocity typically lead to?

• A. Increased erosion downstream
• B. Decreased sediment carrying capacity
• C. Higher rates of evaporation
• D. Wider riverbanks

Answer: (B)

A decrease in a stream's velocity typically leads to a decreased sediment carrying capacity. This is because the velocity of water directly influences its ability to transport sediments. When the water flows faster, it can carry larger and more amounts of sediment, including sand, silt, and clay. Conversely, when the velocity decreases, the energy of the water diminishes, causing it to drop the sediments it was carrying. As a result, finer materials will settle out of the water body, and the stream may not have enough energy to keep larger sediments in suspension. This is an important concept in understanding sediment transport and deposition processes within a stream or river system.

A decrease in a stream's velocity typically leads to a decreased sediment carrying capacity. This is because the velocity of water directly influences its ability to transport sediments. When the water flows faster, it can carry larger and more amounts of sediment, including sand, silt, and clay. Conversely, when the velocity decreases, the energy of the water diminishes, causing it to drop the sediments it was carrying. As a result, finer materials will settle out of the water body, and the stream may not have enough energy to keep larger sediments in suspension. This is an important concept in understanding sediment transport and deposition processes within a stream or river system.