The largest sediment that can be transported into a stream is typically boulders, which can be moved during high-energy events like flooding or landslides. However, normal stream flow usually transports smaller particles such as gravel, sand, and silt. The ability of a stream to transport sediment depends on factors like water velocity, sediment size, and stream gradient. While boulders can be moved, they generally require significant force to be entrained and carried downstream.
The ability of a stream to erode and transport material largely depends on its velocity, gradient, and discharge. Streams with higher velocities, steeper gradients, and greater discharge have more erosive power and are better able to transport sediment.
The carrying capacity of a stream refers to the maximum amount of sediment and material it can transport, which is influenced by its discharge and velocity. Higher discharge increases the volume of water flow, allowing the stream to carry more sediment. Similarly, greater velocity enhances the stream's ability to lift and carry particles, increasing its overall carrying capacity. Therefore, both discharge and velocity are critical factors that determine how much material a stream can transport.
The answer is cobble.
The ability of a stream to erode and transport materials largely depends on its velocity and discharge. Higher flow velocity increases the stream's energy, allowing it to erode the riverbed and banks more effectively while transporting larger sediment particles. Additionally, the gradient of the streambed and the size, shape, and composition of the sediment also play significant roles in determining the stream's erosive and transport capacity.
Pebbles
The stream velocity required to carry the smallest boulders is typically around 1 meter per second. This velocity is based on the sediment transport capacity of the stream, which is influenced by factors such as the size and weight of the boulders, as well as the stream's gradient and flow rate.
The minimum speed needed to transport cobbles into a stream would depend on factors such as the size and weight of the cobbles, the flow rate of the stream, and the slope of the terrain. In general, water velocities of at least 1-2 feet per second are needed to transport cobbles in a stream.
The slowest stream velocity necessary for a stream to carry the smallest boulders typically ranges between 1.5 to 2.5 meters per second (about 5 to 8 feet per second). This velocity allows the water to generate sufficient lift and transport capacity to overcome the weight of the boulders. Variability in streambed material, boulder shape, and water density can affect the exact velocity required.
The slowest stream velocity necessary for a stream to carry small boulders typically ranges from 1 to 2 meters per second, depending on factors like the size and shape of the boulders, as well as the water's viscosity and density. This velocity allows the water to exert enough force to overcome the boulders' weight and drag. Additionally, streambed composition and gradient can also influence the required velocity.
Stream flows that can transport gravel and cobbles are typically classified as high-energy flows, often found in steep, fast-moving rivers and streams. These flows have sufficient velocity to overcome the inertia of larger sediment particles, allowing them to be lifted and carried downstream. Conditions such as increased discharge during storms or snowmelt can enhance this capacity, enabling the transport of heavier materials.
A stream with a velocity of 20 cm/s can transport particles up to fine sand size (0.0625 - 2 mm). Larger particles such as gravel and boulders would require a faster flow velocity to be transported.
The largest sediment that can be transported by a stream is determined by the stream's velocity and the sediment's size and weight. Generally, a stream with a velocity of 125 cm per second can transport larger particles, such as gravel or small boulders, depending on factors like flow turbulence and sediment density. However, specific calculations using the Einstein-Brown equation or other sediment transport formulas can provide a more precise size estimate. Typically, at this velocity, the largest sediment might be around 2 to 4 millimeters in diameter.
The minimum water velocity needed to transport the smallest boulder is determined by the critical threshold velocity. This velocity is influenced by factors such as the size, shape, and weight of the boulder. In general, for very small boulders, velocities in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 meters per second are often sufficient to initiate transport.
The largest sediment that can be transported into a stream is typically boulders, which can be moved during high-energy events like flooding or landslides. However, normal stream flow usually transports smaller particles such as gravel, sand, and silt. The ability of a stream to transport sediment depends on factors like water velocity, sediment size, and stream gradient. While boulders can be moved, they generally require significant force to be entrained and carried downstream.
Velocity
The ability of a stream to erode and transport material largely depends on its discharge, velocity, gradient, and the size and shape of the sediments. These factors influence how much sediment a stream can carry and how effectively it can erode material from its surroundings.