Describe two fluvial erosion processes

Describe two processes of fluvial erosion. [4]

Mark scheme (2 × 2 marks):

• 1 mark for naming a valid process (hydraulic action, abrasion/corrasion, attrition, solution/corrosion).
• 1 mark for accurate description.
• Examples of full credit:
  • Hydraulic action (1) — the sheer force of water compresses air in cracks in the bank, weakening the rock until it breaks away (1).
  • Abrasion (1) — bedload carried by the river scrapes against the bed and banks, wearing them down like sandpaper (1).
  • Attrition (1) — load particles collide with each other, becoming smaller and rounder downstream (1).
• Maximum 4 marks (2 processes × 2).