What is the process by which a river erodes its banks called?

The process by which a river erodes its banks is known as erosion. Erosion refers to the wearing away of the land by the river's flowing water, which can lead to the gradual removal of soil and rock from the banks. This process can shape the landscape over time, creating features such as cliffs or riverbanks that are undercut, contributing to changes in the river's course and the surrounding environment.

In the context of rivers, erosion is a key component in the overall cycle of river dynamics, influencing how rivers transport sediment and shape the terrain they flow through. The flowing water exerts pressure on the materials of the riverbank, leading to the breakdown and removal of sediment. This is distinct from other processes like deposition, where materials are laid down in a new location, and transportation, which pertains to the movement of sediments already eroded from one place to another. Therefore, understanding erosion is crucial for analyzing river behavior and landscape evolution.