Image for the Sediment Transport Theory

the Sediment Transport Theory

Sediment transport theory explains how particles like sand, silt, and gravel move through water or air. Movement occurs when forces such as water flow or wind are strong enough to lift or push these particles. The main modes are various forms of transport: in suspension (particles float), bedload (roll or slide along the bottom), and saltation (hopping). Factors influencing transport include particle size, water or air velocity, and gravity. Understanding these processes helps predict erosion, sediment deposition, and the shaping of landscapes and riverbeds, essential for environmental management, civil engineering, and geology.