What are river cliffs and how are they formed?

River cliffs are features of meanders. In a meander the outside bank is where the Thalweg flows(fastest flowing part of the river), this means the velocity is greatest here so there is more available energy for erosion. The Helicodal flow (cock screw like flow of water that goes through rivers) causes surface water to flow towards the outside bank which causes lateral erosion through hydraulic action. Erosion of the outside bank also takes place through abrasion; as the velocity is greater here the river is able to carry larger sediment which increases the force of abrasion. The combined effect of this erosion causes the outside bank to be undercut and eventually causes it to collapse thereby forming a river cliff.

Answered by Kitty D. Geography tutor

28417 Views

See similar Geography A Level tutors

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of soft and hard engineering as a river flood management strategy


Explain the concept of a sediment cell. (4 marks)


Describe and explain how social, economic and cultural factors can affect birth rates


Explain the natural causes of climate change (10 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences