The Earth Contents

4. Rock Cycle

Rivers deposit and erode material

Rivers vary in velocity through their flow paths; sites where the flow slows down will accumulate sediment, at least until the next flood is able to move them onward. This is closely related to the topography of the land over which the river is flowing. Additionally, rivers change their course, leaving behind sediments. Throughout the length of each river, material is also being exchanged with the land; sediments are picked up and deposited for varying lengths of time.

Rivers deposit and erode material

Can you explain how rivers deposit and erode material?