Role of Sediment in Non-Point Source Salt Loading Within the Upper Colorado River Basin

摘要

The role of sediment in diffuse-source salt loading in the upper Colorado River basin was investigated. The results proved that entrainment and transport of sediment by overland and channelized flow are crucial factors affecting the salinity of runoff from diffuse source areas. Increased concentration of transported sediment increases the availability of soluble minerals; further transported sediment may continue dissolving due to kinetic disequilibrium and/or when mixed with Colorado River water.