What does stream load include?

Prepare for the SWITC Spring Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to optimize your learning. Get set for success!

Stream load refers to the total amount of materials that a stream or river transports. It includes various types of loads: dissolved, suspended, and bed loads.

Dissolved load consists of ions and small molecules that are carried in solution, often derived from chemical weathering of rocks. Suspended load contains fine particles, such as silt and clay, that are kept afloat in the water column due to turbulence. The bed load consists of larger particles that move along the bottom of the stream through processes such as rolling, sliding, and saltation.

In this context, the correct answer encompasses all three components that contribute to the stream's overall sediment transport, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the materials that a waterway carries.

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