The work of a river: Erosion Flashcards
What is erosion?
When the river removes material from the banks and bed of the river channel
Corrasion/abrasion
When smaller material carried in suspension rubs against the banks of the river
Where is corrasion more likely
In lowland areas as by this time the material will be broken down small enough to be carried in suspension
Attrition
When boulders and other material transported along the river bed collide and break up into smaller pieces
When is attrition more likely?
When the river is still flowing in highland areas
What is solution/corrosion
When acids in the river dissolve rocks, such as limestone, which form the banks and bed
Hydraulic action
When the sheer force of the river dislodges particles from the river’s banks and bed
Where does vertical erosion happen?
Upper course
Where does lateral erosion happen?
Middle course
What is headward erosion?
The backward cutting of a waterfall
