Fluvial Processes and Landforms Landforms shaped by running water are described as fluvial landforms. The work of streams consists of three closely related activities - erosion, transportation, and deposition, creating two major types of fluvial landforms: erosional landforms and depositional landforms.

Fluvial Processes and Landforms Erosional and depositional landforms.

The Evolution of a Stream The work of streams consists of three closely related activities - erosion, transportation, and deposition.

The Evolution of a Stream (a) Stream established on a land surface dominated by landforms of recent tectonic activity. (b) Gradation in progress. (c) Gradation profile attained. (d) Floodplain widened to accommodate meanders.

Meanders In meandering streams, erosion and deposition occur at the banks. Point bars form where slow-moving water deposits fine material. Cut banks occur where faster-moving water erodes away bank materials. *See animation on meandering streams in the geodiscoveries section of your text’s website.

Waterfalls Small, high waterfalls are common features of alpine mountains carved by glacial erosion. However, large waterfalls on major rivers are comparatively rare. *See movie on waterfalls in the geodiscoveries section of your text’s website.

Waterfalls A bird's-eye view of the Niagara River with its falls and gorge carved in strata of the Niagara Escarpment. The view is toward the southwest from a point over Lake Ontario.

Alluvial Fans One very common landform built by braided, aggrading streams is the alluvial fan, a low cone of alluvial sands and gravels. The apex, or central point of the fan, lies at the mouth of a canyon or ravine. The fan is built out on an adjacent plain.

Alluvial Fans A cross section shows mudflow layers interbedded with sand layers, providing water for a well in the fan.

Alluvial Fans Alluvial fan along coastal shoreline.