Fluvial Processes

• Solution

  • Rocks erode by the river dissolving chemical compounds in them
• Vertical erosion is eroding the river bed causing the river to deepen
• Lateral erosion is eroding the river bank causing the river to widen
• Solution

  • Minerals are dissolved in the water and carried along in solution
• Suspension

  • Sediment is carried along in the water
• Saltation

  • Small rocks are bounced along the river bed
• Traction

  • Large rocks are rolled along the river bed
• Rivers deposit sediment when they do not have enough speed or energy to carry it