cutbank

Eroded stream edge

A cutbank is the steep, eroded outer bank of a river or stream where the current carves into the land.

As water flows around a bend, it undercuts the outside edge, creating a vertical or near-vertical face of exposed soil: The trail dropped off sharply at the cutbank.

The opposite bank, where sediment deposits, is called a point bar.

geomorphology

meander

To travel without direction

river bend · channel migration · terrace · bluff · escarpment · cliff face · riverbank · cutoff · avulsion · bench

erosion

undercutting

Charging less than rivals

abrasion · destabilization · soil loss · calving · caving · piping · downcutting · weathering · freeze-thaw

sediment

alluvium

Water-deposited loose sediment

  • gravelLoose small rock fragments
  • sandFine rock particles
  • siltWaterborne earth particles

clay · strata · deposit · layer · unconsolidated · cobbles · pebbles · loam · stratification · overbank deposits

hydrology

current

Directed flow of charge

  • flowUnbroken forward movement
  • streamSteady continuous flow
  • channelPassage for transmission

watercourse · riparian · tributary · confluence · watershed · discharge · flood stage · high water · velocity · turbulence

Categories
Family

cut, bank, cutting, banker, banking, cuts, uncut, cutter, banks

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Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G