Final answer:
Variable flow, steep gradient, and abundant sediments are all characteristics of river systems. They play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and influencing the deposition of sediments along the river course.
Step-by-step explanation:
Variable flow, steep gradient, and abundant sediments are all characteristics of river systems. As a river flows from its source, it experiences changes in its flow rate, channel width, and sediment load. The flow of a river can vary depending on factors such as the volume of water, the steepness of the river channel, and the presence of obstacles.
A steep gradient indicates that the river is flowing downhill quickly, while a variable flow suggests that the volume of water in the river fluctuates.
When a river flows downhill quickly, it has a high energy level, which allows it to transport large amounts of sediment. This sediment can range from coarse particles, such as gravel and sand, to finer particles like silt and clay. As the river slows down, it loses its ability to carry larger particles and deposits them on the riverbed. This results in a gradation of sediment sizes within the riverbed, with coarser sediments found near the source of the river and finer sediments found farther downstream.