Physical processes 2 (Edexcel GCSE Geography A): Flashcards
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3 main physical processes in rivers
3 main physical processes in rivers
Erosion, transport, and deposition
Hydraulic action definition
Hydraulic action definition
Force of moving water hitting riverbed & banks
Abrasion definition
Abrasion definition
Load scrapes & grinds against channel bed/banks
Attrition definition
Attrition definition
Load particles wear each other down through collision
Difference: abrasion vs attrition
Difference: abrasion vs attrition
Abrasion: load wears channel; Attrition: load wears itself
Solution (erosion) definition
Solution (erosion) definition
Rock minerals dissolve directly into river water
Where solution erosion is particularly common
Where solution erosion is particularly common
Areas with limestone or chalk bedrock
Traction definition
Traction definition
Large material rolled/dragged along riverbed
Saltation definition
Saltation definition
Bouncing motion of medium-sized particles
Suspension definition
Suspension definition
Finest particles carried within water column
When deposition occurs
When deposition occurs
When river loses energy & can't carry full load
What is deposited first during deposition
What is deposited first during deposition
Heaviest material first, then progressively finer