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

Find out more about river erosion.

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

Find out more about river erosion.

Hydraulic action

Find out more about river erosion.

Vertical erosion involves the wearing away and deepening of the river bed. This is mostly by hydraulic action. It is most common in the upper course of the river.

Find out more about river erosion.

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.

Find out more about river erosion.