Final answer:
The portion of a stream's sediment load with tiny grains that are carried without bouncing off the bed is known as the stream's suspended load. This includes fine particles such as silt and clay. Sediment deposition and characteristics like sorting and rounding can indicate the stream's transport energy and the distance the sediment has traveled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portion of a stream's sediment load that consists of tiny solid grains carried along with the water but not bouncing off the stream bed is a stream's suspended load. This suspended load can contain materials such as silt and clay, which remain in suspension within the water as it flows.
Sediment deposition varies based on the energy of the water and the distance traveled from the source. Sediments transported by slowly moving water are often well-sorted and well-rounded, which signifies a longer transportation history.