1. Streams and Rivers cont’d
Video: Grand Canyon
Sediment Transport

2. Velocity (all notes)
The speed at which a river flows.
Greater velocity = greater Erosion

3. Velocity In a straight channel: Fastest toward the center
Fastest just below the surface

4. Factors Affecting Velocity
Slope: The steeper the gradient, the faster the stream.
Discharge: The more water present, the faster the stream
Width of the Channel: the more narrow the channel, the faster the stream *Remember the garden hose*

5. Velocity and Meanders Water moves faster on the outside curve.
Water moves slower on the inside curve.

6. Velocity and Sediment Size
The greater the velocity, the greater the sediment size which can be carried.

8. Deposition
The leaving behind (dropping) of sediment as the stream’s velocity slows
Gradual process

9. Factors affecting Deposition
Particle Size: the largest particles drop out first.
Particle Shape: Round particle settle faster
Particle Density: Denser particles settle faster.

10. Sorting
Since sediment drops out in stages, deposition by streams creates layers.
Layers can be horizontal or vertical.

11. Horizontal Sorting Large particle fall close to shore
Smaller particles settle out further from shore
Streams emptying into oceans

12. Vertical Sorting
Occurs when sediment is deposited in calm water ( ex. a lake)
Large particles on the bottom, smallest on top.

13. Meanders and Deposition
As water slows down on the inside curve, sediments drop out creating a point bar.