Chapter 10

Erosion and Deposition

10.1 Water Erosion and Deposition

Lesson Objectives

• Describe how surface rivers and streams produce erosion.


• Describe the types of deposits left behind by rivers and streams.


• Describe landforms that are produced as groundwater flows.

Introduction

Rivers and streams complete the hydrologic cycle by returning precipitation that falls on
land to the oceans (Figure10.1). Ultimately, gravity is the driving force, as water moves
from mountainous regions to sea level. Some of this water moves over the surface and some
moves through the ground asgroundwater. As this water flows it does the work of both
erosion and deposition. You will learn about the erosional effects and the deposits that form
as a result of this moving water.

Erosion and Deposition by Rivers and Streams

Erosion from Runoff

As streams move over the ground, they transport weathered materials. Streams continually
erode material away from their banks, especially along the outside curves of meanders. Some
of these materials are carried in solution. Many minerals are ionic compounds that dissolve
easily in water, so water moves these elements to the sea as part of thedissolved load