If a storm causes more sediment (dirt)to flow into a river than the river can carry,the sediment will be deposited in the channel.This will make the channel narrower than it was originally.However,as the channel's width decreases,the river's velocity will increase,and this will eventually cause the newly deposited sediment to be eroded.As a result,the original width of the river,as well as normal flow velocities,will be reestablished.In this example,the width of the river channel and the processes controlling it can be considered an example of
A)dynamic equilibrium.
B)positive feedback.
C)negative feedback and steady-state equilibrium.
D)chaos
E)steady-state feedback

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The deposition of sediment in the river channel and subsequent erosion to reestablish the original width and flow velocities is an example of negative feedback and steady-state equilibrium. The system is able to maintain a relatively stable state through self-regulation, which is a characteristic of steady-state equilibrium. The narrowing of the channel due to sediment deposition initially disrupts the equilibrium, but the system responds by increasing flow velocities to erode the excess sediment and restore the channel width, eventually returning to a stable state.

If a Storm Causes More Sediment (Dirt)to Flow into a River