River Processes Flashcards
What is a bend in the river called
Meander
4 types of erosion in rivers
Attrition, Abrasion, Hydraulic action, Solution
What happens in Attrition?
When material bashes into and collides with other material, causing rocks to break up into much smaller rounder pieces
What happens in Abrasion
Different sizes of rock/material rolls and grinds along the sea bed. Sides are worn away in sandpaper action
What happens in Hydraulic Action
Sheer force of water enters breaks down banks, water enters cracks and causes pockets of air to compress and explode making rock crumble away
What happens in Solution
Rocks forming the bank or bed and material held in the river are dissolved by the acid in the water
4 types of transportation
Traction, Saltation, Suspension, Solution
What happens is transportation
When large rocks are pushed along the river bed by force of water
What happens in Saltation
Pebble sized particles bounce along the river bed by the force of water
What happens in Suspension
Small particles carried along by the water e.g. silt, clay
What happens in Solution
Soluble materials are dissolved into the water
Size of the river in the upper course
Narrow + Shallow
Size of river in the lower course
Wide + deep
Size of rocks at the source
Large + Angular
Size of rocks at the mouth
Small + Smooth
