Fluvial Processes

Question 1

Physical weathering

Answer 1

Breaks down rocks into smaller and smaller pieces. It is done by changes in temperatures and by rainfall thawing in rock cracks

Question 2

Chemical weathering

Answer 2

Causes rocks to decay and disintegrate. It is largely done by slightly acidic rain seeping into porous rocks

Question 3

Biological weathering

Answer 3

The roots of plants, especially trees, growing into cracks in the rocks and gradually split the rock apart

Question 4

Slumping

Answer 4

The bottom valley side slope is cut away by the river flowing at the base. It makes the slope unstable

Question 5

Soil creep

Answer 5

Weathered materials moves slowly down the the slope because of gravity. It collects at the bottom of The Valley side and is eroded by the river

Question 6

Hydraulic action

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Abrasion

Answer 7

The rocks being carried by a river is rubbed against the sides and floor. This wears down the banks and widens them

Question 8

Corrosion

Answer 8

Minerals in the rocks are dissolved by the water flowing past them

Question 9

Attrition

Answer 9

Rocks carried by the river crash together and break into rounder and smaller particles

Question 10

Deposition

Answer 10

When a river loses energy it will drop or deposit some o the material it is carrying. Most likely to happen when a river enters a lake or the sea

Question 11

Solution

Answer 11

Minerals are dissolved in the water and are carried along in solution

Question 12

Suspension

Answer 12

Fine light material is carried along in the water

Question 13

Saltation

Answer 13

Small pebbles and stones are bounced along the riverbed

Question 14

Traction

Answer 14

Large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed