Traction (geology)
Traction is the geologic process whereby a current transports sand grains and larger clasts by rolling or sliding along the bottom. Thus, the grains and clasts interact with the substratum during transport. By contrast, saltation, a related sediment transport process, moves grains across the bottom by bouncing or hopping. The actual current carries the sediment load in traction and saltation flows, whereas downslope movement under the force of gravity carries the sediment in gravity flows. These processes contrast with suspension settling, in which there is no current.[1][2]
Notes and references
- ↑ Helm, Janet and Robinson, Arthur (2002), GCSE Geography for AQA Specification, Heinemann, p. 6.
- ↑ Ritter, M.E. (2006), The Physical Environment: an Introduction to Physical Geography: The Geologic Work of Streams, online textbook. accessed 25 June 2013.