1. Hydraulic Action:
Hydraulic action refers to the physical force exerted by the flowing water on the riverbed and the riverbanks. As water moves rapidly over the surface, it creates turbulence and generates immense force. This force can dislodge and transport sediment particles, causing erosion.
2. Abrasion:
Abrasion is a process where sediment particles carried by the river water collide and rub against the riverbed and the banks. These particles act as abrasive tools that scour and wear down the underlying rocks and sediments, gradually eroding the riverbed and the riverbanks.
3. Solution:
Solution is a chemical process that occurs when water dissolves certain minerals and chemicals from the rocks and sediments present in the riverbed and the banks. This is particularly effective in regions with soluble rocks such as limestone or gypsum. Over time, the continuous dissolution of minerals leads to the weakening and erosion of the riverbed and the banks.
The erosive power of a river depends on various factors, including the volume and velocity of water flow, the sediment load it carries, the nature of the riverbed and bank materials, and the slope or gradient of the river channel. Rivers with high discharge, fast-flowing water, coarse sediments, and steep slopes tend to have higher erosive power.
