ABSTRACT
Depending on the geology, rainfall, and hydrology in the catchment area, all rivers will carry some quantity of sediment downstream. Based on the catchment characteristics, the sediment carried by the river varies both in size and quantity. For example, rivers flowing down the Himalayas along steep slopes carry large boulders during heavy rainfall that occurs during the annual monsoon period. All rivers will carry some fine sediment, especially during the high flow period, such as the rainy season or when there is substantial snow melt during the summer. River flows free from sediment at all times are possible only if the intake is located downstream of a large dam (which will have settled such sediment) or if coming down from the tailrace of an upstream run-of-river hydropower plant with a well-designed (and operating) settling basin.
