If water is the transport mechanism of sediment,the grain size of sedimentary deposits most closely indicates the ____________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The velocity of the water at the moment the sediment settled to the bottom is the closest indicator of sediment grain size because larger grains require higher velocities to remain in suspension, and smaller grains settle out at slower velocities. The geographic extent of the weathering source rock and the average velocity of the water over time may be factors in determining the size distribution of the sediment, but they are not as closely related to grain size as the velocity at the moment of deposition.

If Water Is the Transport Mechanism of Sediment,the Grain Size