Rivers Keywords

Hydraulic action

The physical force of the moving water wears away and breaks off the rock and soil from the banks and the beds of the river. ​

Abrasion

Small stones carried by the river wear away the banks and beds of the river.​

Attrition

The small stones of the river are worn down and broken up as they hit off each other. ​

Solution (erosion)

Rocks, such as limestone, and soil are dissolved by acids in the water. ​

Rolling

The larger stones are rolled along the bed of the river. This process is known as traction.

Bouncing

The smaller pebbles are bounced along the bed of the river. This process is known as saltation.​

Suspension

Lighter materials such as salt and silt float along in the water.​

Solution (transportation)

Other materials dissolve in the water and are carried along by the river.