Fluvial Processes

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Last updated 5:55 PM on 8/5/26
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16 Terms

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Fluvial Processes
The processes that operate in rivers: EROSION (wearing away the land), TRANSPORTATION (carrying eroded material), and DEPOSITION (dropping eroded material). From source to mouth.
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Longitudinal Profile of a River
A visual representation (side view graph) of the gradient of a river from its source to its mouth. In theory, the shape is CONCAVE.
A visual representation (side view graph) of the gradient of a river from its source to its mouth. In theory, the shape is CONCAVE.
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Upper Course
The steep upstream section near the SOURCE of the river. Steep gradient, fast flow, vertical erosion, V-shaped valleys.
The steep upstream section near the SOURCE of the river. Steep gradient, fast flow, vertical erosion, V-shaped valleys.
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Middle Course
Downstream of the upper course. The river leaves the mountains. Gradient is more gentle. Lateral erosion becomes dominant.
Downstream of the upper course. The river leaves the mountains. Gradient is more gentle. Lateral erosion becomes dominant.
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Lower Course
The flat, final stage of the river as it approaches sea level. Deposition is the main process. Wide, flat valley.
The flat, final stage of the river as it approaches sea level. Deposition is the main process. Wide, flat valley.
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Base Level
The LOWEST level to which a river can erode. The SEA forms the permanent base level.
The LOWEST level to which a river can erode. The SEA forms the permanent base level.
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Temporary Base Level
A feature that temporarily acts as a base level and prevents a river from eroding below it. Examples: a waterfall, a dam, a lake, rapids.
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Permanent Base Level
The sea / sea level — the absolute lowest level to which a river can erode.
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Hydraulic Action
Erosion process: the FORCE of flowing water loosens and removes pebbles, stones, sand and silt from the sides and bed of the channel (no tools needed — just the force of water).
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Abrasion (Corrasion)
Erosion process: sand and silt particles CARRIED by the river SCRATCH and WEAR AWAY the bed and sides of the channel (like sandpaper).
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Attrition
Erosion process: particles SCRATCH AGAINST EACH OTHER as they are transported, becoming SMALLER and ROUNDER (e.g. boulders → pebbles → sand).
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Solution (Corrosion)
Erosion process: soluble minerals in rocks are dissolved by the river water (chemical process).
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Traction
Transportation: BOULDERS and large rocks are PUSHED and ROLLED along the riverbed.
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Saltation
Transportation: smaller rocks and stones BOUNCE along the riverbed.
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Suspension
Transportation: SILT and very small particles are CARRIED within the flow of the water (float in the water).
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Solution (Transportation)
Transportation: load is DISSOLVED in the water (chemical change — invisible).