Which of the following is most likely to make up the suspended load of a stream?
A) ions that formed when minerals dissolved in groundwater
B) large boulders that fell into the stream during a landslide
C) gravel that washed into the stream during a flood
D) small grains of clay and silt

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The suspended load of a stream is made up of small grains of clay and silt that remain suspended in the water column and give the water its turbidity. Option A is incorrect because dissolved ions would not be part of the suspended load, but instead would be part of the dissolved load. Option B is incorrect because large boulders would be too heavy to remain suspended in the water column and would instead be part of the bed load. Option C is also incorrect because while gravel may be part of the bed load, it is typically too heavy to remain suspended in the water column as part of the suspended load.

Which of the Following Is Most Likely to Make Up