Fluvial processes

Question 1

Erosion

Answer 1

Erosion can be vertical/ lateral. Vertical erodes downwards to deepen river channel and valley, making a V-shaped valley. Lateral erodes from side to side widening river channel and valley forming meanders.

Question 2

Hydraulic action (E)

Answer 2

Force of water hitting riverbed and banks, air is put under pressure causing cracks to expand and rock to break up (most effective with lots of fast water).

Question 3

Attrition (E)

Answer 3

Stones carried by water knock against each other gradually smoothing and rounding rocks.

Question 4

Abrasion (E) (Lcbrhabdpifor=s.)

Answer 4

Load carried by river hits against bed dislodging particles into flow of river= sandpapering

Question 5

Solution (E)

Answer 5

River flows over limestone/chalk, rock is slowly dissolved.

Question 6

Traction (T)

Answer 6

Large rocks are dragged along the riverbed by force of water.

Question 7

Suspension (T)

Answer 7

Small particles like silt/clay are carried along held in water column.

Question 8

Solution (T) (Smlsdiwaca.)

Answer 8

Soluble materials like salts dissolve in water and are carried along.

Question 9

Saltation (T)

Answer 9

Pebble-sized particles are bounced along the riverbed by force of water.

Question 10

Deposition

Answer 10

When river slows down (velocity decreases) it no longer has enough energy to transport its sediment so it is deposited.