Which outcome results when a tectonic uplift increases the gradient of a river feeding an alluvial fan?

💡 Explanation

When the gradient is increased, flow velocity rises, increasing sediment transport energy because stream power steepens, resulting in deposition of coarser material further down the alluvial fan. Therefore sediment coarsening occurs, rather than avulsion, delta formation, or increased weathering which require different flow dynamics or sediment input.

• Which primary risk increases when an artificial levee is subjected to prolonged saturation during a major flood event?
• Which outcome occurs when North Atlantic Deep Water formation weakens substantially?
• Which consequence results when deflation concentrates desert varnish?
• Which outcome is most likely after an oxbow lake forms due to river meandering?
• Which effect results when acid rock drainage reduces amphibian activity in wetlands?
• Which risk increases when deep ocean upwelling stagnates?