Erosion

Erosion

Gradual destruction and removal of rock or soil in a particular area by rivers, the sea, or the weather.

Types of erosion

• Abrasion, Attrition, Hydraulic action, solution

Abrasion

this is when pebbles grind along a rock platform, much like sandpaper. Over time the rock becomes smooth.

Attrition

this is when rocks that the sea is carrying knock against each other. They break apart to become smaller and more rounded

Solution / corrosion

Rocks and minerals are dissolved through chemical reactions with water

Hydraulic action

The power of the water forcing air into cracks in the rock, eroding the banks of the river

Factors affecting erosion

• Heavier or sharper load

• Velocity —> more velocity (higher drop) —> more power —> more erosion

• Geology: As more resistant/harder rocks (e.g. chalk, limestone) erode more slowly than less resistant rocks, they project into the sea as headlands

• Gradient → Steepness of water: more → more erosion