How does channelization typically affect sediment transportation?

Channelization affects sediment transportation by reducing natural sediment deposition. When a river or stream is channelized, its flow is often straightened and confined to a narrower pathway, which alters the natural dynamics of sediment movement. In a natural river system, sediment is deposited in various locations along the floodplain and within meanders as the flow slows down, allowing heavier particles to settle out.

With channelization, the increased velocity of the water as it flows through the confined channel means that sediment is less likely to deposit in these areas. Instead, sediment is generally carried further downstream and may ultimately be deposited in larger bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans, rather than remaining in the ecosystem where it would have contributed to soil health and habitat creation. Thus, channelization disrupts the natural processes that typically allow for sediment to be distributed and deposited across the floodplain, contributing to a decrease in natural sediment deposition.