A river transports its load in four ways. The process by which the materials are transported depends on the size of the material as well as the energy of the river. A river uses its energy to transport the eroded material down the river channel. The four processes that take place are traction, saltation, suspension and solution.
Soluble minerals dissolve in the river water and are carried away as solution. Minerals that dissolve easily include calcium and sodium. This type of transportation occurs at almost anytime when there is water.
Fine materials can be suspended in the water and therefore are carried away in such a method. These particles are to light to sink to the bottom of the fast moving river. Suspension load forms the largest part of the river load. Materials that can be suspended include silt, mud and clay.
Leaping up and down the riverbed, coarse sand and small rock are transported down the channel. This is due to the increase in river energy and the gravel are lifted and dropped along the river. Traction Large boulders require large amount of energy to move it. Only when there is enough energy to move it, then will it move. Some can only be move when there is heavy flooding. They usually slide and roll along the riverbed.
Large boulders require large amount of energy to move it. Only when there is enough energy to move it, then will it move. Some can only be move when there is heavy flooding. They usually slide and roll along the riverbed.