River Erosion Processes Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of erosion?
Definition of weathering?
A
Erosion is the breakdown and removal of material by rivers, the sea, glaciers or wind.
Weathering is the breakdown of material in situ (without any movement) eg. freeze thaw weathering
2
Q
Name the four types of erosion?
A
Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition and solution
3
Q
Hydraulic action?
A
The energy of water, widens cracks and eventually causes them to break off
4
Q
Abrasion/corrasion?
A
When rocks become smoother by grinding at the bottom on the riverbed
5
Q
Attrition?
A
When rocks hit each other and break down, causing them to become rounder and smaller
6
Q
Solution/corrosion?
A
When minerals in rock dissolve in water
