Abrasion (geology)

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Abrasion is mechanical scraping of a rock surface by friction between rocks and moving particles during their transport in wind, glacier, waves, gravity or running water, after friction the moving particles dislodge loose and weak debris from the side of the rock, these particles can be dissolved in the water source.

The intensity of abrasion depends on the hardness, concentration, velocity and mass of moving particles.

Abrasion by a glacier

A glacier can "carve" a valley, cirque, or a tarn (glacial lake), by wearing away rocks and soil through abrasion and plucking up and moving large pieces of rock and debris.

Abrasion (geology)

Abrasion by a glacier

See also