Attrition (erosion)

Attrition is the process of erosion that occurs during rock collision and transportation. The transportation of sediment chips and smooths the surfaces of bedrock; this can be through water or wind. Rocks undergoing attrition erosion are often found on or near the bed of a stream. Attrition is also partially responsible for turning boulders into smaller rocks and eventually to sand.

Attrition erosion allows past and present geologic changes to be understood as well as paleogeomorphic environments to be interpreted. Researchers use particle shapes (a result of attrition) to study erosion and environmental changes.