River Transportation

Once it has been eroded, material in the river is transported down the river. Whilst this is
happening, erosion processes such as attrition and abrasion continue to occur. There are four
main processes of transportation which depends on the size of the material being moved.

Solution is when minerals are dissolved in the water and carried along in solution. This
typically occurs in areas where the underlying bedrock is limestone. Primarily this occurs in
the middle and lower course of the river.

Suspension is when fine light material is carried along in the water. This process occurs
throughout the course of the river but increases the closer you are to the mouth of the river.

Saltation - small pebbles and stones are bounced along the riverbed. This occurs in the upper
and middle course of the river in general.

Traction - large boulders and rocks are slowly rolled along the riverbed by the force of the
water. This primarily occurs in the upper course of the river.

DRAW: Processes of transportation in a river

(Also see Wider World pg 282 fig 17.12 and Complete Geo pg 108 Fig 4.2)