Mass movements, erosion, and deposition

Suspended load consists of fine particles carried within the water. In exams, distinguish it from dissolved load.

Direct answer: B, bed load. River load is transported in different ways. Large, heavy particles such as gravel and pebbles usually move along the channel bed by rolling, sliding, or bouncing. This moving material is called bed load. Step by step: the river’s force acts on a particle; if it is too heavy to remain in suspension, it stays near the bottom; it rolls or jumps during stronger flow. Option A, dissolved load, consists of minerals chemically dissolved in water and cannot be seen as rolling grains. Option B is correct. Option C, suspended load, consists of finer particles held within the water, such as silt and some clay. Option D, chemical load, is not the standard name for these large rolling or bouncing grains; chemically dissolved material is the relevant category. Memory cue: bed load stays near the bed; suspended load stays in the water; dissolved load is in solution.

In plucking, a glacier pulls rock fragments from the bed and carries them. In exams, identify it as glacial erosion.

Wave energy and rock resistance control the rate of coastal erosion. In exams, consider both agent and rock structure.

When velocity and discharge increase, a river can carry more sediment. In exams, link carrying capacity with energy.

Different energy conditions deposit different particle sizes, producing layers. In exams, treat layers as evidence of depositional history.

Rock fall is a sudden gravity-driven movement on steep slopes. In exams, place it under rapid mass movement.

A moraine is formed from debris transported and deposited by a glacier. In exams, identify moraine as glacial deposition.

Base level is the limit below which a stream generally cannot erode. In exams, understand it as the lower limit of river erosion.

Freeze-thaw widens cracks and produces loose debris. In exams, link it with physical weathering and slope instability.

Contour ploughing prevents water from flowing straight downslope, reducing soil loss. In exams, understand it as runoff control.

Weak layers dipping toward a slope can act as a slip plane. In exams, consider rock structure as a cause of slope failure.

Sudden heavy rain can saturate soil quickly and increase debris flow. In exams, remember rainfall intensity.

Greater runoff removes a layer of soil over a wider area. In exams, connect runoff amount with erosion.

A steep gradient in the upper course gives the river stronger erosive power. In exams, link the upper course with vertical erosion.

Higher agent energy can move larger particles, while lower energy causes deposition. In exams, remember energy and particle size.

Road cutting can weaken the base or side support of a slope. In exams, remember human activity as a landslide factor.

Dissolved load is material carried in solution as ions or dissolved minerals. In exams, distinguish it from suspended particles.

Waves erode weaker rock zones to form caves and then arches. In exams, link coastal landforms with wave erosion.

Hard and resistant rocks oppose erosion more strongly. In exams, connect rock resistance with erosion rate.

A weak base and excess water make slope material unstable. In exams, consider multiple factors together for landslides.

Good sorting shows that transport and energy separated particles by size. In exams, treat sorting as evidence of depositional conditions.

Good drainage removes excess water, reducing weight and slipperiness. In exams, treat drainage as a stabilization measure.

In salty water, fine particles may join into larger flocs and settle. In exams, remember this for estuarine deposition.

Dunes form by deposition of sand transported by wind. In exams, link desert deposition with wind action.