Water on the Land - Processes of erosion

Erosion involves the wearing away of rock and soil found along the river bed and banks. Erosion also involves the breaking down of the rock particles being carried downstream by the river.

There are four main forms of river erosion:

Hydraulic Action: The force of the river pressing against the banks can cause air to get trapped in cracks and crevices. This pressure weakens the banks and gradually wears it aware.

Abrasion: Rocks carried by the the river wear down the river banks and bed.

Attrition: Rocks carried by the river smash into each other and break into smaller and smoother rocks.

Solution: Soluble particles like chalk or salt will dissolve into the river.