What constitutes the term 'load' in the context of river systems?

The term 'load' in the context of river systems refers to the material that is carried along by the river, which includes sediment, organic matter, and debris. This load can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the river's velocity, the landscape it traverses, and seasonal changes like rainfall or snowmelt. The load is crucial because it plays a role in shaping the river's channel, affecting erosion, sedimentation, and the overall ecology of the river environment. Understanding the load helps in assessing a river’s health, potential for flooding, and interactions with surrounding ecosystems.

Other aspects like the speed of the river's flow, the volume of water, and the temperature of the water describe different characteristics of rivers but do not define 'load.' These factors can influence the load but do not represent the materials being transported by the river itself.