Fluvial erosion is the natural process by which flowing water in rivers removes material from the river bed and banks.
Fluvial erosion is the detachment of material of the river bed and the sides. This process is a fundamental force in shaping river channels and valleys over time.
The erosion process initiates when the energy of the flowing water becomes strong enough to overcome the resistance offered by the materials forming the riverbed and banks.
The energy of the water flow is primarily influenced by several factors:
- Depth of Water: Deeper water generally possesses more energy.
- Gradient: A steeper slope (gradient) of the river channel increases the speed and thus the energy of the flow.
- Stream Velocity: As stated in the reference, flow energy depends on depth of water and gradient and thus of stream velocity. Higher velocity means greater energy available for erosion.
Essentially, when the force exerted by the moving water exceeds the strength holding the soil, sediment, rocks, or other materials together, these materials are picked up and transported downstream by the river. This continuous action contributes significantly to landscape evolution.
