What type of landform is a pothole classified as in a bedrock channel?

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A pothole in a bedrock channel is classified as a major erosional landform because it is formed through the process of erosion. Specifically, a pothole develops when swirling water, often with sediment and rock debris, creates a circular or cylindrical hollow in the bedrock. This process involves the mechanical action of the sediment being carried by water, which scours the rock surface over time. The depth and shape of a pothole are a direct result of this erosive action, making it a significant feature in the context of the landscape shaped by river and stream dynamics.

In contrast to sedimentary formations, which involve the accumulation of sediments, or a depositional feature, which is formed by the deposition of materials, a pothole's primary characteristic is its formation through erosion. A drainage basin refers to a region contributing to a specific waterway and is not directly related to the formation of individual landforms like potholes. Therefore, classifying a pothole as a major erosional landform accurately reflects its origin and the physical processes that create it in a bedrock context.

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