Sediment Transport in a Stream

Context for Use: 

Too often, students are asked to visualize how sediment movement occurs in streams through a static figure (see example). In this video clip, students can clearly see the gravel-sized and sand-sized pieces of the bed load moving through rolling, sliding, and saltation. The silt-sized and clay-sized particles in the suspended load are more difficult to see but are visible close to the water surface. This video is excellent to show students when discussing streamflow and water movement through the water cycle. It is appropriate to show students when introducing the PAESTA Classroom exercises Investigating Streamflow in the Schuylkill River and Streamflow discharge in the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers.

Recommended Grade: 
Any