1. Suspension: This is the most common way fine sediment, like silt and clay, travels. The river's current carries these particles suspended in the water column, similar to how dust floats in the air. The speed of the current determines how much sediment is suspended. Faster currents carry larger amounts and heavier particles.

2. Saltation: This involves larger sediment particles like sand. They bounce along the riverbed in a hopping motion, propelled by the force of the current. Saltation is an important process because it abrades the riverbed, contributing to erosion and the overall shaping of the river channel.

3. Bed Load: This refers to the heaviest sediment particles, like pebbles, gravel, and even boulders. These are too heavy to be suspended or to hop, so they move along the riverbed by rolling, sliding, or dragging. Bed load movement requires a strong current and can create significant changes in the river's morphology, especially during floods.

These three methods of sediment transport work together to shape the river system. The relative importance of each method depends on the river's flow rate, the size and type of sediment, and other factors.