River Processes, WJEC

River Processes, WJEC

1. Erosion

   • Hydraulic Action, The force of flowing water washes away loose material on the bed and banks
   • Abrasion, (or corrosion) Stones carried by the river that are washed into beds and banks wearing them away
   • solution, (or corrosion) Slightly acidic water that dissolves rocks which are made of calcium carbonate.
   • Attrition, Stones colliding together are broken down.

2. Transport

   • Traction, stones are rolled along the bed by the force of flowing water
   • Saltation, small stones are bounced along the river bed by flowing water
   • Suspension, particles of silt and clay float and are carried along by the flowing water
   • Solution, some minerals dissolve in water E.g. limestone

3. Deposition, if a river slows down due to less water or Less steep land the river carries less energy therefore some material will be deposited.