1.1.15

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

1Physical Geography

1.1River Environments

1.2Coastal Environments

1.3Hazardous Environments - Tropical Cyclones

1.4Hazardous Environments - Earthquakes & Volcanoes

2Human Geography

3Global Issues

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium