GCSE River Landscapes and Processes Flashcards
Abrasion
Sand and pebbles being thrown against the cliff face chipping off pieces of rock from the cliff
Corrosion
A chemical reaction between chalk and limestone and the salts and other acids in the seawater
Hydraulic action
The pressure of water being thrown at the cliffs by waves and the compression of air in rock cracks
Attrition
The reduction in size and smoothing of pebbles on a beach, as they knock into and erode one another
Soil creep
The slowest downhill movement of soil
Slumping
The rotational slip of a large area of land moving down a slope
Discharge
The amount of water passing a specific point at a given time measured in cubic metres
V-shaped valley
A narrow valley with steep sides and a small river/tributary running through it.
Interlocking spur
A sloping ridge that descends into the valley, made of more resistant rock. Rivers flow around these.
Waterfall
A sudden drop in a rivers route resulting in water falling vertically downwards (at higher speed) until it reaches a lower level
Plunge pool
A deep pool of water found at the base of a waterfall
U-shaped valley
A wide, flat bottomed valley with steep sides
Ox-bow lake
A small lake which has been detached from the main river
Meander
A bend or curve along a river
Flood plain
A flat are of land on either side of a river made up of alluvium.
