Which outcome occurs when a Roman aqueduct's gradient is significantly reduced over a long section?

💡 Explanation

When gradient decreases, the water velocity diminishes, allowing suspended sediments to settle out of the flow, leading to a gradual accumulation that reduces the effective cross-sectional area and thus the flow rate. Therefore sediment buildup results, rather than pressure collapse, algae purity, or water hammering which require different fluid dynamics triggers.

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