What Role Does Friction Play in Abrasion?

💡 The Answer

• Abrasion is caused by friction from scuffing, scratching, wearing down.
• Friction between moving particles and surfaces removes material.
• In glaciers, friction from sliding ice abrades bedrock.
• In rivers, particles scrape against bed and walls.
• Wind-driven sand friction abrades rock surfaces.
• Frictional forces convert kinetic energy into wear.