The lab activities provided hands-on experience to explore how variables such as water flow speed, sediment type, and riverbank materials influence a river's erosional power. By conducting experiments that simulated river conditions, I observed that faster flow rates increased erosion, while softer sediments were more easily eroded than harder rocks. Additionally, the angle and shape of the riverbank affected how much material was washed away.
From these observations, I conclude that the power of a river to cause erosion is primarily influenced by its flow velocity, the type of sediments it carries, and the characteristics of its banks. Understanding these factors helps explain how rivers shape landscapes over time.