It is a natural process where soil is transferred from one place to another.

When the topsoil gets weathered down, it is caried by wind, water, or gravity to other locations.

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Soil Erosion

Agents of Soil Erosion

Soil Erosion causes changes on the earth's surface.

This is caused by the agents of erosion: water, wind, gravity and animals.

Flowing water can carry bits of soil and rock. Over time, it can carve even canyons and mountains.

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Water

Sheet erosion - the surface of the soil is washed away by rain.

Rill erosion - as rain falls, runoff water flows into channels and carries away the soil

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Forms of Water Erosion

Splash erosion - powerful impacts of water dislodges soil.

Gully erosion - When powerful rains fall, large channels of water are formed from the removal of soil.

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Forms of Water Erosion

​Gullies form because of the flow of runoff water

Gravitational Erosion occurs when rocks and soil are moved by gravity.

Landslides or mudslides are examples of erosion by gravity.

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Gravity

Gardening, farming, deforestation, and construction are some of the human activities that lead to soil erosion.

Movements of large groups of animals may displace soil in their paths.

Burrowing animals create cracks and holes in the ground.

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Animals

Effects of Soil Erosion

Human activities such as illegal logging, mining, and construction deplete the nutrients in the soil. This slows down food production.

Sediments from erosion may block channels of water. Mud or silt may also be deposited in rivers. Drinking water can become contaminated.

Chemicals from farmlands may become washed away with the soil and pollute other locations.

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Mud and silt is deposited into the Mississippi River

Dry climate and less plants causes more sand to be produced. This is called desertification.

Planting Trees and Plants

Vegetation binds soil in their roots. Their leaves shield the soil from the sun so it retains moisture. Trees like mangroves block strong winds and waves.

Contour farming

When farmers follow the slope of the land, less soil is eroded away.

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Preventing Erosion

contour and strip farming

Strip Farming

Different crops are planted alternately, in strips. This creates natural water channels and dams.

Rip Rapping

Chunks of rocks are arranged along the slope to serve as barriers.

Soil Matting

Straw or wood fibers cover the top layer of the soil.

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Preventing Erosion