sediment transport

Sediment transport is the geological process of moving surface material, primarily soil and rock debris, from one location to another by natural agents like water and wind. This movement is a fundamental part of erosion and deposition, which shape Earth's landforms.1

Rivers play a significant role in sediment transport. They carry eroded material, known as sediment load, which can be classified into three types:
* Bed load: Coarsest material (boulders, sand) that moves along the stream bed.2
* Suspended load: Finer particles (silts, clays) carried within the turbulent flow of water.2
* Dissolved load: Chemical compounds dissolved in the water.2

The velocity and slope of a river influence its capacity to transport sediment. As a river's velocity decreases, it deposits sediment, forming features like alluvial fans, floodplains, and deltas. Human activities, such as dam construction, can significantly alter sediment transport by trapping material in reservoirs.23