Rivers - Erosion Flashcards
1
Q
Hydraulic Action
A
Force of moving water impacts the banks of the river. Cracks in the banks destabilise and fragments of the rock break off.
2
Q
Attrition
A
Reduction in the size of fragments and particles. Rocks become smaller, smoother and more rounded. Larger, angular rocks re found upstream.
3
Q
Corrosion
A
Happens most in rocks containing carbonates such as Limestone and Chalk. Rock minerals are dissolved by the weak acids in rivers.
4
Q
Abrasion
A
The scraping and rubbing of rocks. Intensity depends on hardness, concentration, velocity and mass of particles.
5
Q
Vertical Erosion
A
Makes a river channel deeper (upper course).
6
Q
Lateral Erosion
A
Makes a river channel wider (middle and lower course).
