River Processes Flashcards
what is erosion?
the wearing away of rock by the natural processes of rivers
what are the different types of erosion?
•attrition
•hydraulic action
•abrasion
•solution
what is attrition?
rocks being carried by the river smash together and break into smaller, smoother particles
where is attrition most likely to happen?
the middle and lower course
what is hydraulic action?
the force of the rivers against the banks can cause air to get trapped in gaps. The force of the water weakens the banks and wears it away
where is hydraulic action most likely to occur?
the middle and upper course
what is abrasion?
rocks carried along by he river scrape along the river bed
where is abrasion most likely to occur?
the upper course
what is solution in terms of erosion?
soluble particles being dissolved in water
where is solution most likely to occur?
the lower course
what is transportation?
the ways in which the river transports it’s loads
what is solution in terms of transportation?
minerals being dissolved in water. This is a chemical change
where is solution most likely to occur?
the lower course
what is suspension?
fine, light material being carried along by the river
where would suspension most likely occur?
middle and lower course
