3.3.5

Processes of Erosion

Test yourself

Processes of Erosion

Erosion is the wearing away of rock using movement. The sea can build up a lot of energy and move quickly with a lot of force. This can make erosion happen faster. There are 4 types of erosion:

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Hydraulic action

  • Hydraulic action is where the force of the water hits against the river or sea bed and banks and causes the rock to break off.
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Solution

  • Solution is where soluble rocks are dissolved by the water in the river or sea (limestone and chalk in particular). They are carried along with the river or sea.
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Abrasion

  • Abrasion is where pieces of rock are picked up by the river or sea water and hit against the bed or the banks. This wears them away.
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Attrition

  • Attrition is where pieces of bedload (material carried by a river or seawater) are hit against one another. This causes them to break apart and become smaller and more rounded.

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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