In river geography, what is a common term for the material carried along by a river?

The term "load" is commonly used in river geography to describe the material that is carried by a river. This load can consist of various materials, including sediment, rocks, silt, and organic matter, which are transported as the river flows. The concept of load is crucial in understanding river dynamics because it affects the river's erosion ability, sediment deposition, and overall health of the river ecosystem.

Silt, while it can be part of the load, specifically refers to a fine sediment and does not encompass the broader range of materials transported by a river. Debris generally refers to larger, often organic material that might be carried, but it is not the comprehensive term used in river studies. Runoff pertains to water that flows over land into rivers rather than the material the rivers transport. Understanding the broader term "load" helps to grasp various processes involved in river systems, including sediment transport and riverbank erosion.