What are the main fluvial landforms from erosion?

The main fluvial landforms from erosion are river valleys, interlocking spurs, waterfalls, gorges, and river cliffs.

River valleys are typically V-shaped in their upper courses, formed by the vertical erosion of the river cutting down into the landscape. As the river erodes the land, it creates steep sides and a narrow valley floor. This process is most active in the upper course of the river where the gradient is steep, and the river has more energy to erode downwards.

Interlocking spurs are projections of high land that alternate from either side of a river valley. They form in the upper course of a river where the water has to wind around more resistant rock outcrops. The river erodes the less resistant rock, creating a winding path that looks like the teeth of a zipper when viewed from above.

Waterfalls occur where a river flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. They form when there is a layer of hard rock overlying softer rock. The softer rock erodes more quickly, creating a drop. Over time, the hard rock above can collapse, causing the waterfall to retreat upstream, leaving a steep-sided gorge.

Gorges are narrow, steep-sided valleys formed as waterfalls retreat upstream. The continuous erosion at the base of the waterfall, known as hydraulic action, and the collapse of the overhanging hard rock, create a deep, narrow valley. Gorges can be dramatic and are often found in the upper courses of rivers.

River cliffs are steep banks formed on the outside bend of a meander due to the process of lateral erosion. As the river flows around a bend, the water on the outside of the bend moves faster, causing more erosion. This creates a steep, often undercut bank known as a river cliff.