Processes of erosion

• 2 types of erosion that change the shape of the channel downstream:

  • Vertical (downwards)
  • Lateral (sideways)
• Hydraulic action: Force of water hitting the riverbed and banks. Most effective when water is moving fast and at high volume
• Abrasion: Load carried by the river hits the bed or banks, dislodging particles
• Attrition: Stones carries by the river knock against each other, becoming smaller or more rounded
• Solution: Alkaline rocks, e.g: limstone, are dissolved by slightly acidic river water