Erosion can happen in two directions: vertically & laterally
Hydraulic action is weathering caused by not only the sheer force of the water hitting the river beds & banks but also by water forcing & compressing air in cracks & crevices, wearing them away
Abrasion is weathering caused by the load carried by the river repeatedly hitting the river beds & banks
Attrition is weathering caused by rocks carried by the river hitting each other and breaking
Solution is weathering caused by soluble rocks dissolving into the water
Transportation
Traction is the movement of heavy material rolling along the river bed
Saltation is the movement of smaller stones rolling & bouncing along the river bed
Suspension is the movement of very fine material floating within the flowing water
Solution is the movement of particles dissolved in the water
Deposition
As the river flows, it loses energy and deposits sediment
The largest load is deposited first as they require the most energy to transport