FLUVIAL LANDFORMS FORMED BY EROSION

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Formation of waterfalls and gorges - 1) waterfalls
-River flows over area of hard rock followed by area of softer rock.-Softer rock is eroded (by hydraulic action and abrasion) more than hard rock, causing a 'step' in river.-Steep drop('waterfall')created as more and more of softer rock is eroded.
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Formation of waterfalls and gorges - 2) gorges
-Hard rock is undercut by erosion-it becomes unsupported and collapses.-Collapsed rocks are swirled around at foot of waterfall where they erode softer rock by abrasion(deep plunge pool). - More undercutting=more collapses=waterfall retreats=gorge.
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Formation of interlocking spurs
-Upper course=vertical erosion=steep-sided,v-shaped valleys.-Rivers not powerful enough to erode laterally(sideways)-have to wind around protruding high hillsides.-Hillsides that interlock with each other as river winds around them=interlocking spurs
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Card 2

Front

Formation of waterfalls and gorges - 2) gorges

Back

-Hard rock is undercut by erosion-it becomes unsupported and collapses.-Collapsed rocks are swirled around at foot of waterfall where they erode softer rock by abrasion(deep plunge pool). - More undercutting=more collapses=waterfall retreats=gorge.

Card 3

Front

Formation of interlocking spurs

Back

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Card 4

Front

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Back

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Card 5

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Back

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