Fluvial Processes

Question 1

What are the main 3 fluvial processes?

Answer 1

Erosion (Picked up)
Transportation (Moved)
Deposition (Dropped off)

Question 2

What are the 4 types of erosion? Explain.

Answer 2

Hydraulic action - Force of the water hits the banks or bed of the river and causes erosion. It can force water into the cracks of the river banks or bed.

Abrasion - When particles such as pebbles and stones hit the banks or bed of the river causing them to erode away.

Attrition - When particles hit each other and break down into smaller rounder pebbles.

Solution - When rocks such as limestone and chalk are dissolved by the water that runs over them.

Question 3

What are the 4 types of transportation? Explain.

Answer 3

Solution When rocks such as limestone and chalk are carried by the river.

Traction - Large boulders and rocks roll on the river bed.

Saltation - When small particles bounce along the river bed.

Suspension - When very small, light particles are held up in the rivers flow.

Question 4

What is deposition?

Answer 4

Deposition is when the velocity of the river decreases so the load cannot be carried anymore.

Question 5

Name 2 places where deposition may happen?

Answer 5

Inside edge of a meander.

Base of a waterfall.