SEDIMENT & RIVERS Flashcards
1
Q
What is Sediment concentration known as?
A
Turbidity
2
Q
How is water driven around the global system?
A
The sun and gravity
3
Q
Why do we measure sediment in rivers?
A
- fisheries can be affected
- can be an indication of pollution
- dans can lose volume
4
Q
What is a ‘sediment borne contaminant?’
A
Pollutants that travel attached to sediment
5
Q
What controls the amount of sediment transporter by a river?
A
Erosion and weathering rates
Size of the river
Size of particulate matter
6
Q
Which areas have the highest sediment yields?
A
South-East Asia and Central America
7
Q
What factors control sediment yield?
A
Climate (mainly precipitation) and vegetation
Erodibility (lithology)
Topography (relief = erosion)
8
Q
What is lithology?
A
Erodibility
9
Q
Have sediment yields increased or reduced?
A
Reduced, mainly due to human activity
