Question

At a flow velocity of 100 cm/sec, which of the following statements is true regarding sand-sized sediment?

Multiple choice question.
a) All sand-sized particles are transported as bedload.
b) All sand-sized particles are transported as suspended sediment.
c) The majority of sand-sized particles are deposited, but the smallest sands are transported as bedload.
d) Smaller sand grains are transported as suspended sediment, and larger grains are transported as bedload.

Answer 1

At a flow velocity of 100 cm/sec, smaller sand grains are likely transported as suspended sediment while larger grains are transported as bedload due to their greater mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The transport and deposition of sand-sized sediment in a flowing medium such as water can vary depending on the size of the particles and the flow velocity. Given a flow velocity of 100 cm/sec, it is likely that the smaller sand grains are transported as suspended sediment, due to their decreased weight and resistance to movement. On the other hand, larger grains of sand tend to roll or bounce along the bottom because of their greater mass and therefore are transported as bedload. Therefore, the correct statement relating to the transport of sand-sized sediments at this velocity is that smaller sand grains are transported as suspended sediment, and larger grains are transported as bedload.