Cut Bank Erosion/River Cliff
A cut bank alias river cliff, is an erosional feature of streams. Cut banks are found in abundance along mature or meandering streams and are located on the outside of a stream bend, known as a meander. Cut banks are shaped much like a small cliff, and are formed by the erosion of soil as the stream collides with the river bank. A point bar/slip off slope is an area of deposition and is seen on the opposite side of the river from the cut bank. Because the current is slow near the point bar, mostly fine particles are deposited here.
Inertia throws the fastest moving water against the outside of the curve. The erosion of this fast moving water causes the cut bank. The slow moving water accumulates near the inner bank, depositing fine sediments. The resulting deposit is known as a point bar or slip off slope. The net result of erosion on the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank is for the channel to migrate in the direction of the outer bank. This causes the river to meander in a series of broad loops as you have followed through the park to this point.
The posted coordinates for GZ will take you to the bank of the meandering river in North Park. You will be standing on the opposite side of the cut bank erosion.
Based on the information above, and on your observations here, answer the following questions:
1. Erosion - North Park GCB6K19
2. Estimate the height of the bank at this point of cut bank erosion.
3. Is there anything here that could slow down the cut bank erosional process? If so, what?
4. Can the cut bank erosional process be a danger to hikers? If so, why?
5. Why are slip off slopes made up mostly of sand.
6. Post a picture of yourself (face not required) or a personal item at GZ.