Question

Explain four ways through which a river transports its load.

Answer 1

1. Suspension; involves transportation of light insoluble materials like mud and clay down stream floating or partially submerged.
2. Saltation/hydraulic lift; involves the transportation of large materials through a series of short jumps/hops. Material are pushed up by force of water and back by force of gravity.
3. Traction; heavy materials are pushed and rolled along the riverbed by force of moving water.
4. Solution; involves the transportation of materials already dissolved in water.