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

The impact of these processes on the formation of the river valley is significant.

Hydraulic Action: This process occurs when water flows into cracks and crevices in riverbanks, leading to the breaking down of the rock material. Over time, this contributes to the widening and deepening of the river channel, facilitating the formation of valleys.

Abrasion: This process involves the wearing down of the riverbed and banks by the particles carried by the river. The continual scraping action of these particles leads to the gradual erosion of the landscape, shaping the valley and its features.

In summary, the interplay between hydraulic action and abrasion significantly shapes the morphology of the river valley, leading to features such as steep banks and widened channels.

A labelled diagram should depict a river valley, illustrating the processes of hydraulic action and abrasion at work. Include annotations indicating the direction of water flow and areas where significant erosion occurs.