Abrasion or corrasion, attrition, hydraulic action and solution or corrosion.

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Hydraulic action is when the force of fast-flowing water hits the bed and banks and forces water and air into cracks in the bedrock. The repeated changes in air pressure cause the river bed to weaken.

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Solution (or corrosion) is when acidic water dissolves rocks such as chalk or limestone.

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Hydraulic action

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Lateral erosion erodes the banks of the river. This is more common in the middle and lower courses of a river.

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