Which outcome occurs in Roman aqueducts when travertine deposition constricts the channel's cross-sectional area significantly?

💡 Explanation

When travertine deposition constricts the channel, a reduction in the cross-sectional area results in increased flow resistance because of boundary layer effects, leading to a backwater effect that raises the upstream water level. Therefore, the the water level will rise upstream rather than increased velocity, structural weakening, or enhanced purification as these mechanisms require drastically altered channel characteristics.

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