River Erosion Processes

Question 1

Definition of erosion?

Definition of weathering?

Answer 1

Erosion is the breakdown and removal of material by rivers, the sea, glaciers or wind.

Weathering is the breakdown of material in situ (without any movement) eg. freeze thaw weathering

Question 2

Name the four types of erosion?

Answer 2

Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition and solution

Question 3

Hydraulic action?

Answer 3

The energy of water, widens cracks and eventually causes them to break off

Question 4

Abrasion/corrasion?

Answer 4

When rocks become smoother by grinding at the bottom on the riverbed

Question 5

Attrition?

Answer 5

When rocks hit each other and break down, causing them to become rounder and smaller

Question 6

Solution/corrosion?

Answer 6

When minerals in rock dissolve in water