A dam and reservoir are constructed on a graded river. What will happen?
A)deposition upstream from the dam; channel downcutting below
B)deposition upstream and downstream from the dam
C)channel downcutting upstream from the dam; deposition below
D)channel downcutting upstream and downstream from the dam

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deposition occurs upstream from the dam because the dam blocks the flow of sediment, causing it to accumulate in the reservoir area. Channel downcutting occurs below the dam because the water released from the dam tends to have less sediment, leading to erosion and deepening of the river channel downstream.

A Dam and Reservoir Are Constructed on a Graded River