Examine the impact of the processes of erosion on the formation of one fluvial landform, coastal landform or glacial landform that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question i - 2017

To examine the impact of erosion processes on landform formation, we first need to identify a specific landform. For this example, we will consider the formation of a river valley as our fluvial landform.

Erosion Processes

Erosion involves the removal and transport of material from one location to another. Key processes of erosion include:

1. Hydraulic Action: The force of water waves pounding against a riverbank can remove loose materials, creating a deeper channel.
2. Abrasion: As sediment carried by the river collides with the bed and banks, it wears them away, deepening and widening the valley.
3. Attrition: This process involves the collision of rocks and boulders, which become smaller and rounder as they are transported downstream.

Impact on River Valley Formation

The impact of these erosion processes is significant:

• Formation of V-Shaped Valleys: Over time, the hydraulic action and abrasion lead to the formation of V-shaped valleys as the river cuts down into the landscape.
• Deepening of the River Channel: Continuous erosion results in a deeper and narrower river channel, allowing for faster flow of water.

These processes collectively contribute to the dynamic landscape of a fluvial system, illustrating the significant impact erosion has on landform development.