The direct mechanical force of moving water against a channel bed, bank or coastline, driving air into cracks and fractures under pressure and prying rock apart without any abrasive material involved. It is a significant erosive process in fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and pounding surf against cliffs.
Facts
Process Type Sources
1. Hydraulic Action (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWikipedia: Hydraulic action, lead paragraphQuote, Wikipedia: Hydraulic action, lead paragraph
Hydraulic action, most generally, is the ability of moving water (flowing or waves) to dislodge and transport rock particles.
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