Types of Erosion

This page presents a pneumonic device to help remember the four main types of erosion: HydAbAtSol.

Vocabulary: HydAbAtSol is a mnemonic device standing for Hydraulic action, Abrasion, Attrition, and Solution.

These four processes are crucial in understanding coastal erosion and river erosion processes. Each type of erosion contributes to the shaping of landscapes in unique ways.

Highlight: Understanding these four types of erosion is essential for studying both coastal erosion examples and river systems in Geography.

Attrition

This page explains attrition, the third type of erosion process in Geography.

Attrition occurs when rock fragments carried in water or by wind collide with each other, causing them to become smaller, rounder, and smoother over time. This process is particularly evident in river systems and along coastlines.

Example: In rivers, attrition can be observed by comparing rocks at different points along the river's course. Rocks at the lower course of the river are typically smaller, smoother, and rounder than those found at the source of the river.

Attrition plays a significant role in shaping the characteristics of sediment in both rivers and coastal areas. As particles continue to collide and wear against each other, they gradually lose their angular edges and become more rounded.

Definition: Attrition is the process by which rocks and pebbles become rounded and smooth as they collide with each other while being transported by water or wind.