What is scour definition?

Scour is the action of removing or eroding material from the bed or banks of a watercourse, such as a river or channel, by the force of moving water. This process is typically caused by high water flow rates or velocities, and it can have significant ramifications on the stability of the stream channel and the surrounding landscape. Scour can lead to the formation of deep channels, the undercutting of banks, and the destabilization of bridges and other infrastructure. In some cases, scour can also result in the accumulation of sediment that can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems, and increase the likelihood of flooding. Engineers and planners closely monitor scour to understand its effects on waterways and develop strategies to mitigate its impacts.