What do natural levees create in the floodplain?

Natural levees are elevated landforms that develop along the banks of rivers due to sediment deposition during flood events. During floods, water overflows the riverbank and slows down as it spreads into the floodplain. The velocity of the water decreases, causing larger sediment to settle close to the channel, while finer materials may be carried further away. This process results in the formation of the levee, which consists of these deposited sediments.

The gentle slope characteristic of natural levees is a key aspect of their formation. While they can rise significantly above the surrounding floodplain, the gradient is typically very mild. This gradual slope allows for drainage and helps to maintain the flow of water from higher ground back into the river system.

Other options, such as deep channels directing water flow or pronounced ridges far from the channel, do not accurately represent the features created by natural levees. Instead, the mild gradient facilitates a more uniform and gentle slope in the floodplain, which is critical for understanding how river systems manage water flow and sediment distribution.