Which consequence resulted from decreasing gradient steepness during the construction of large Mesopotamian navigable canals?

💡 Explanation

Decreasing the gradient will reduce flow velocity, triggering settling of suspended sediments (silt deposition) because particle transport capacity reduces with decreasing velocity; therefore, canal maintenance is more frequent, rather than self-cleaning.

• Which soil degradation risk increased when intensive maize cultivation replaced chinampas?
• Which consequence results when a Viking longship encounters excessive wave diffraction?
• Which outcome occurred when arsenical bronze failed thermally?
• Which mechanism caused repeated cracking in the Liberty Bell after its arrival in Philadelphia?
• Which outcome occurs when Roman aqueduct arches experience excessive lateral thrust?
• Which problem impacted large wooden ship construction prior to readily available iron fasteners and sealants?