How do the geomorphological processes operate to form river features in the River Darent?

How do the geomorphological processes operate to form river features in the River Darent?

1. Deposition

   • Occurs when the river loses energy and is unable to transport large loads
   • As river energy decreases the carry load falls and large particles are deposited before anything else

2. Erosion

   • Abrasion
     • The load (sand, shingle, boulders etc.) is carried in the water and rubs against the river bed and bank and wear them down
   • Attrition
     • Movement of river makes laod crash together so sharp edges are broken down and become more rounded and smaller
   • Solution
     • Rocks dissolved by acidic water
   • Hydraulic Action
     • Air present in gaps is trapped and compressed by prerssure of water. Over time pressure increases and weakens the rock, eventually breaking it

3. Transportation

   • Traction
     • The largest rocks roll along the bed by the force of the water
   • Suspension
     • Silt and clay are supported within the water
   • Saltation
     • Sand and pebbles bounce along the bed
   • Solution
     • Minerals dissolved in water are carried in the water flow

4. Human Intervention

   • Water Mills produced energy
     • Paper Mills, e.g. Horton Kirby Paper Mill
     • Flour Mills, e.g. Longford Mill
   • Transport
   • Water companies

5. Climates (last 30 year average)

   • Rainfall
     • 571mm
   • Weather
     • Max Temp - 22.2°C
     • Min Temp - 6.7°C
     • Sunshine Hours
       • 1600

6. Size

   • Length
     • 21 Miles long

7. Geology

   • Chalk
   • Green Sand
   • Clay

8. River Features (see below)

9. Geomorphological Processes - the study of landforms and the processes that form them