Fluvial Processes

Question 1

What is Hydraulic Action

Answer 1

The force of the river compresses air trapped in cracks in the banks. The increased pressure weakens and gradually wears away the banks

Question 2

What is Solution

Answer 2

Where water is slightly acidic, it dissolves certain types of rock on the river bed and banks (e.g. limestone) and carries them as the water flows

Question 3

What is Abrasion

Answer 3

Rocks carried by the river rub and scrape along the river bed and banks wearing them down

Question 4

What is attrition

Answer 4

Rocks carried by the river collide with each other and break into smaller pieces

Question 5

What is traction

Answer 5

Large rocks and boulders roll along the river bed

Question 6

What is saltation

Answer 6

Smaller rocks and boulders bounce along the river bed

Question 7

What is suspension

Answer 7

Finer, lighter material is light enough to be carried in the water

Question 8

What is solution

Answer 8

Minerals (e.g. rock salt) dissolve and are carried along by the water