(R) Erosion and Transportation

Question 1

hydraulic action

Answer 1

The weight and impact of water hitting the river banks, water is forced into cracks, along with compressed air.

When the pressure lessens the air expands sideways and forces the crack apart, causing it to widen.

Question 2

abrasion

Answer 2

Rocks, boulders and pebbles hit the banks and bed of the river, which chips off fragments.

The rocks continue to hit the bed/banks, and gradually wear/scrape it away.

Most erosion happens by abrasion.

Question 3

attrition

Answer 3

Rocks and other materials crash into each other, and break off/into smaller fragments.

This smooths the rocks, and causes them to reduce in size and become rounded.

Question 4

corrosion

Answer 4

Acids in the water that are produced by lichens/rainwater dissolve the rock surrounding the river, weakening it.

Solution is another name for corrosion.

Other chemicals in the water can also dissolve the banks.

Softer rocks like chalk and limestone are dissolved.

Question 5

suspension

Answer 5

Small particles and materials like mud, silt, and clay are carried along by the water.

Question 6

saltation

Answer 6

The force of the water bounces pebble sized material along the river bed.

Question 7

traction

Answer 7

Large boulders are pushed/roll along the river bed.

They are moved by the force of the water.

Question 8

solution (transportation)

Answer 8

Minerals and soluble materials dissolve in the water, and are carried along in the flow of the river.

Question 9

Name the 4 types of erosion.

Answer 9

• hydraulic action
• abrasion
• attrition
• corrosion/solution

Question 10

Name the 4 types of transportation.

Answer 10

• suspension
• saltation
• traction
• solution