What happens to a river as it flows through a delta and encounters the sea?
A)The discharge and water velocity increase.
B)The maximum sediment grain size carried by the river increases.
C)The total sediment load carried by the river decreases.
D)All of these are correct.

Question

What happens to a river as it flows through a delta and encounters the sea? 
A)The discharge and water velocity increase. 
B)The maximum sediment grain size carried by the river increases. 
C)The total sediment load carried by the river decreases. 
D)All of these are correct.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the river flows into the sea, the depth and velocity decrease, causing sediment to settle and accumulate, forming a delta. This accumulation of sediment reduces the total sediment load carried by the river. Additionally, the maximum sediment grain size typically decreases as the finer sediment is deposited closer to the delta. While the discharge may increase due to the addition of ocean water, the water velocity typically decreases with the lower gradient, so A is incorrect. B is also incorrect as the sediment grain size typically decreases, not increases.

What Happens to a River as It Flows Through a Delta