Which of the following greatly influences sediment transport in a watershed?

The concentration of stormwater runoff is a significant factor that greatly influences sediment transport in a watershed. When heavy rainfall occurs, stormwater runoff increases sharply, leading to higher flow velocities in streams and rivers. This heightened flow can erode soil and transport sediments from the land into waterways. The volume and speed of the runoff are critical because they determine how much sediment can be picked up and carried downstream. Areas with concentrated runoff may experience increased erosion compared to those with diffuse runoff, where water spreads out over a larger area and flows more slowly.

While soil compaction, weather patterns, and types of plant species can affect sediment transport, they do so in different ways or to a lesser extent compared to the immediate impact of stormwater runoff. Soil compaction can reduce infiltration and increase surface runoff, but it is the runoff itself that directly transports the sediment. Weather patterns, such as the frequency and intensity of storms, influence runoff as well, but they do not directly involve the mechanics of sediment transport like runoff does. Types of plant species can stabilize soil and reduce erosion, but they do not directly influence the transport of sediment once it is mobilized by water flow.