SUSPENDED LOAD Meaning and
Definition
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Suspended load refers to the portion of sediment or particles that are suspended or carried within a fluid, such as water or air. In the context of geology and hydrology, it specifically relates to the movement of sediments or particles in a river, stream, or other flowing body of water.
When water flows, it has the capacity to transport sediment or particles of varying sizes. The suspended load is composed of the fine-grained particles that are small and light enough to be carried by the fluid flow. These particles remain suspended in the water column for an extended period due to their size and weight, and are transported downstream, often over long distances.
The composition of the suspended load can vary depending on factors such as the source of the sediment and the characteristics of the water body. It typically comprises silt, clay, sand, and other small sediment particles. The suspended load is kept in suspension by the turbulent flow of the water, which generates upward forces that counteract the particles' weight and prevent them from settling.
Suspended load plays a crucial role in shaping river channels and contributing to sediment transport in rivers and streams. As the water flow slows down, due to factors such as decreases in velocity or changes in channel morphology, the suspended load will eventually settle and become deposited as bedload. Understanding the suspended load is important in various fields, including hydrology, sedimentology, and river engineering, as it has implications for water quality, erosion, and sediment management.
Etymology of SUSPENDED LOAD
The word "suspended" originates from the Latin word "suspendere", which is a combination of "sub" meaning "below" or "under", and "pendere" meaning "to hang". It entered the English language in the late 16th century, and its original meaning was "to hang by attaching from above".
The word "load" comes from the Old English word "lād", which means "way" or "journey". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a burden or weight that is being carried or transported.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "suspended load" combines the concept of something being hung or supported from above with the notion of a weight or burden being carried or transported.
