Which term describes the sediment carried within the water column of a river?

The term that describes the sediment carried within the water column of a river is "suspension." When sediment particles are suspended in the water, they are kept afloat by the turbulence of the river's flow, allowing them to travel along with the current. This process is crucial for the transport of fine sediments, such as silt and clay, which can remain suspended for significant distances, contributing to the overall sediment load of the river.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different aspects of sediment transport. Floatation typically refers to less dense particles that may float on the surface of the water rather than being suspended within it. Solution describes the process where some minerals dissolve in the water rather than being carried as discrete particles. Bed load refers specifically to the larger, heavier sediments that are transported along the riverbed, primarily through rolling, sliding, or bouncing, rather than being held in suspension.