If a river carries and deposits sediments on its banks, what process is most likely occurring?

If a river carries and deposits sediments on its banks, what process is most likely occurring?

• A. Erosion.
• B. Deposition.
• C. Condensation.
• D. Transpiration.

Answer: (B)

Depositing sediments after being carried by a river is deposition. When the river’s speed is high it can move particles, but as it slows down—near bends, widening channels, or smoother slopes—it loses energy and the sediments settle out and stay on the banks or bed. Erosion would mean the opposite: removing material. Condensation and transpiration are different processes unrelated to how a river moves and settles sediment.

Depositing sediments after being carried by a river is deposition. When the river’s speed is high it can move particles, but as it slows down—near bends, widening channels, or smoother slopes—it loses energy and the sediments settle out and stay on the banks or bed. Erosion would mean the opposite: removing material. Condensation and transpiration are different processes unrelated to how a river moves and settles sediment.