The width-to-depth ratio of a river channel affects how much sediment it can carry. A study of the Lower Yellow River found that as this ratio decreases, the river can transport more sediment. Tests showed that higher water flow and lower width-to-depth ratios increase the amount of sediment the river can carry. The shape of the river section also plays a role in sediment transport. Comparing the study's results with real-world data from the Xiaolangdi water and sediment regulation project showed that they match up.