This stream carries sediment that has weathered from mountains in Alaska.
Click on image for full size
Courtesy of Bruce Molnia, Terra Photographics
Step 2: Sediments on the Move!
If you sneeze into a pile of dust the little particles fly everywhere, but if you sneeze into a pile of rocks, they will stay put. It takes more force than a sneeze to move those rocks. Winds and water can have enough force to move rocks.
Very small pieces of sediment like mud and clay are picked up very easily by moving wind and water. But they can settle to the bottom of calm lakes or to the ground when the air or water stops moving.
Larger pieces of sediment can be carried in a stronger current, like fast moving water. Sediment that can sink to the bottom in a fast moving river must be very large and heavy.
Last modified August 25, 2003 by Lisa Gardiner.
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