A river with labels A through C. A: small sediment near the top of the river. B: medium sediment in the middle of the river. C: Larger sediment near the bottom of the river.

Question

Study the image. Note that the sediment sizes are labeled A, B, and C.
Which type of sediment will be deposited first?
Which type of sediment will be deposited last?

Answer 1

In a river system, sediment is typically deposited based on its size and weight, with larger particles sinking to the bottom and smaller particles staying suspended in the water longer.

Given your descriptions of the sediment:

• A: small sediment (near the top of the river)
• B: medium sediment (in the middle of the river)
• C: larger sediment (near the bottom of the river)

The sediment will be deposited in the following order:

1. Deposited First: The larger sediment (C) will likely be deposited first as it has more weight and sinks quickly to the bottom.
2. Deposited Last: The small sediment (A) will be deposited last since smaller particles are more easily suspended in the water for a longer period, requiring more time to settle.

Therefore:

• First: Sediment C (larger sediment)
• Last: Sediment A (small sediment)