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How does a river transport its load?

Describe ways in which a river transports its load.

Answers

Maurice
(i) Traction: Heavy materials are pushed and rolled along the river bed by the force of moving water. They are never lifted up because they are too heavy. They are pushed over a short distance at a time.

(ii) Solution: River water may dissolve soluble minerals from its bed and sides. The minerals may also enter the river by surface run-off that has dissolved the rocks it has passed over. The load is therefore transported in dissolved form over long distances. Some dissolved minerals give water a salty taste.

(iii) Suspension: Light insoluble materials mud particles,clay and silt are transported downstream as a mixture. The materials may also float on the surface or be submerged. They can be moved for long distances,hence suspension.

(iv) Hydraulic lift/saltation: Materials are moved in a series of short hops and jumps. They are briefly lifted up by the force of the moving water. They are transported for a short distance, then land back on the river bed by gravity. The process is repeated again and again, hence saltation.
maurice.mutuku answered the question on June 7, 2017 at 08:29

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