Erosion, Transportation, deposition

Question 1

Hydraulic action

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 1

Hydraulic action - the force of the river against the banks can cause air to be trapped in cracks and crevices. The pressure weakens the banks and gradually wears it away.
Erosion

Question 2

Abrasion

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 2

Abrasion - rocks carried along by the river wear down the river bed and banks.
Erosion

Question 3

Attrition

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 3

Attrition - rocks being carried by the river smash together and break into smaller, smoother and rounder particles.
Erosion

Question 4

Solution

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 4

Solution - soluble particles are dissolved into the river.

Erosion

Question 5

Solution

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 5

Solution - minerals are dissolved in the water and carried along in solution.
Transportation

Question 6

Suspension

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 6

Suspension - fine light material is carried along in the water.
Transportation

Question 7

Saltation

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 7

Saltation - small pebbles and stones are bounced along the river bed.
Transportation

Question 8

Traction

Erosion or Transportation?

Answer 8

Traction - large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed
Transportation

Question 9

Factors to deposition

Answer 9

When a river loses energy, it will drop or deposit some of the material it is carrying.

Deposition may take place when a river enters an area of shallow water or when the volume of water decreases - for example, after a flood or during times of drought.
Deposition is common towards the end of a river’s journey, at the mouth.
Deposition at the mouth of a river can form deltas - for example, the Mississippi Delta.