River erosion types

Types of River Erosion

The instructor reviews four types of erosion found in river systems. These processes are similar to erosion in coastal environments, but occur in rivers.

• Abrasion: Pebbles and other material carried by the water rub against the riverbed or banks, wearing them away. This is compared to sandpaper or the rough side of a sponge.
• Attrition: Particles carried by the river collide with one another. These impacts break them into smaller pieces and can make them rounder.
• Hydraulic action: Moving water strikes the riverbank, loosening material and causing pieces to fall away.
• Solution: Some material dissolves in the water and is carried along. Acidic water can encourage dissolution.

Student Task

Students are asked to write down the four terms, add short descriptions, and draw simple diagrams.

Speaker and Source

• Speaker: One instructor or teacher explains the four erosion processes.
• Source mentioned: BBC Bitesize is recommended for additional captions and explanations. It is not heard speaking in the subtitles.