Examine the role of the processes of erosion on the formation of one fluvial landform or one coastal landform or one glacial landform that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question (i) - 2020

The fluvial landform I will discuss is the meander formed by river action. Meanders are winding curves in a river that result from erosion and deposition.

In the formation of a meander, hydraulic action erodes the outer bank of the river, while sediment is deposited on the inner bank, creating a gentle slope. Over time, this lateral erosion leads to the bending of the river channel, forming distinct meanders. This process is influenced by variables such as the river’s velocity and volume, which affects its ability to erode, as well as the type of materials present in the bank.

Include a labeled diagram depicting a meander, illustrating the areas of erosion and deposition clearly. Ensure that the outer bank is marked to show where hydraulic action is stronger.

Additional processes like abrasion and attrition further contribute to the erosion of the river banks, as transported sediments strike against the bank and break down. This combination of processes is critical in the long-term evolution of river landscapes.