3.3.6

Sediment Transport

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Processes of Transportation

Sediment is material at the bottom of a liquid. There are 4 main ways that water can transport sediment:

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Solution

  • A solution is where rocks that are soluble are dissolved by water (limestone and chalk in particular). They are then transported within the water.
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Suspension

  • A suspension is where silt (sand, clay or other material) and sand particles are held in water (but not dissolved). The silt and sand particles are then transported along with the water.
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Saltation

  • Saltation is where small sand and gravel particles bounce along the river bed or sea bed.
  • They will travel in the direction of the flow of water.
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Traction

  • Traction is where large rocks or large particles are dragged along the river bed or sea bed by the current.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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