Rapid flow changes in streams lead to quick equilibrium in sediment transport.
The study looked at how sediment moves in streams with sand beds when the flow of water suddenly increases. They found that the sand transport rate and the shape of the stream bed changed quickly after the flow increased. The sand transport rate reached a stable level within 1-15 minutes, even before the stream bed fully adjusted to the new flow. This means that changes in flow can affect sediment transport in streams with sand beds very quickly.