Focus Question
How does sediment get into rivers?

Activity Synopsis
Students examine aerial photographs of rivers in South Carolina to observe the sediment that these rivers carry. Students will conduct an inquiry activity to determine how sediment gets into rivers and how it is transported.

Time Frame
One to two class periods

Student Key Terms

• erosion
• sediment

Teacher Key Terms

• alluvial delta
• clay
• critical erosion velocity
• deposition
• discharge
• gradient
• gravel
• overland flow
• sand
• sediment load
• settling velocity
• silt
• water table
• weathering