Lateral erosion
What Lateral erosion means in Geography GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Lateral erosion
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Lateral erosion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Erosion that, together with deposition, drives the shift from vertical erosion as the river flows downstream, widening and deepening the channel and broadening the valley.
Becomes more prominent in the middle course, widening the valley floor and creating a gentler valley side profile.
Erosion that widens the channel and, together with deposition, forms meanders in the middle course.
Sideways erosion that widens the river valley.
Topics that use Lateral erosion
- River landscapes in the UK (AQA GCSE)
- Erosion and deposition interacting with geology create distinctive landforms in river landscapes (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Alluvium
- Hydraulic action
- Vertical erosion
- Abrasion
- Attrition
- Channel straightening
- Dams and reservoirs
- Deposition
Using Lateral erosion in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Geography questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge