Why might logging of a drainage basin change the slope of the river?
A)The base level of the stream is altered by the increased sediment load.
B)The stream must steepen to accommodate the increased runoff.
C)Increased sediment load causes the river to steepen its gradient to transport more sediment.
D)Decreased erosion shuts off sediment supply, causing the river to erode.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Logging a drainage basin can lead to increased sediment load in the river. In order to transport this additional sediment, the river must increase its gradient, or slope. This is because higher water velocities are needed to carry the heavier sediment load. Therefore, increased sediment load causes the river to steepen its gradient to transport more sediment.

Why Might Logging of a Drainage Basin Change the Slope