When a stream's discharge decreases from bankfull discharge, it has appropriate power to
A) transport all of the sediment on its bed and cause further erosion.
B) transport all of the sediment on its bed without causing any further erosion.
C) not transport all of its sediment load and deposits part of it.
D) not transport any of its sediment load and deposits all of it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a stream's discharge decreases from bankfull discharge, it no longer has enough power to transport all of its sediment load and may deposit part of it. This is because the stream's velocity decreases with the decrease in discharge, reducing its ability to pick up and transport sediment. Therefore, option C is correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they suggest that the stream can either transport all of its sediment load or not transport any at all, which is unlikely given the varying degrees of power that a stream can have.

When a Stream's Discharge Decreases from Bankfull Discharge, It Has