3.3.3

Vertical & Lateral Erosion

Test yourself

Vertical and Lateral Erosion

Vertical and lateral erosion affect a river's cross profile. Vertical and lateral erosion both happen all the time, but depending on the section of the river, one type will be dominant.

Illustrative background for Vertical erosionIllustrative background for Vertical erosion ?? "content

Vertical erosion

  • Vertical erosion makes the river valley deeper.
  • Vertical erosion dominates in the upper course.
    • This is because high levels of turbulence make rough and angular particles drag along the river bed.
Illustrative background for Lateral erosionIllustrative background for Lateral erosion ?? "content

Lateral erosion

  • Lateral erosion makes the river valley wider.
  • Lateral erosion dominates in the lower course and middle course.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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