The Hjulström Curve

The Hjulström Curve shows the link between river velocity and competence. 

The competence describes the maximum particle size a river is capable of transporting at a given point. The competence of a river is affected by the amount of energy it has, which is related to its velocity. The greater the velocity, the greater the energy.

The Hjulström Curve shows the relationship between river velocity and competence, also showing how the processes of erosion, deposition and transportation vary with river velocity.

The critical erosion velocity…