What term describes a stream's ability to carry solid particles?

The term that accurately describes a stream's ability to carry solid particles is "competence." Competence refers to the maximum size of sediment particles that a stream can transport, which is determined by factors such as water speed and turbulence. As the flow velocity increases, a stream can carry larger particles, thereby increasing its competence.

In the context of streams and sediment transport, "capacity" refers to the total amount of sediment that a stream can carry, regardless of the size of particles. Therefore, while both terms are related, competence specifically addresses the size of particles, making it more precise for this question. Understanding these distinctions clarifies how streams interact with their sediment loads, highlighting the dynamic nature of surface water systems.