What is Erosion? | |
Erosion is the wearing away of surface material by moving forces such as water, wind, and ice. Erosion carries rock fragments, soil, and dissolved materials from one place to another. This is distinct from weathering which does not involve movement. Water erosion is the most important force for erosion. Rainfall can cause erosion when it splashes onto the ground, or when it collects and flows into tiny rivulets and streams. Rivers erode the land they travel through, forming canyons and shaping coastlines over time. Wind Wind is a natural erosion agent and can displace sand, soil and other debris. It can also sculpt rock formations, such as the ventifacts that form in deserts. The erosion power of wind is greatest where surfaces are bare and dry, as in arid climates. Wind erosion is often caused by agricultural practices that remove vegetation and expose the soil surface, as well as land clearing for development and oil and gas drilling. When winds reach a certain threshold velocity, they start to erode and transport the particles they carry. The amount of material moved is related to the particle size and adhesion, as well as the surface condition and the velocity of the wind. Once the wind carries particles far enough, they drop back to the ground as sediment or re-enter the air as dust. Some of this dust can be carried many kilometers, even across oceans. Wind erosion is often the cause of dust storms, which reduce plant productivity and cost the economy through high cleaning bills, absenteeism and transport delays, sand-blasted crops, and lower retail sales. It can also reduce the water holding capacity of the soil, which can lead to reduced crop yields and increased salinity in groundwater supplies. It also increases the risk of invasive species and changes in the biodiversity of an ecosystem. | |
Related Link: Click here to visit item owner's website (0 hit) | |
Target State: All States Target City : All Cities Last Update : 04 December 2023 9:39 AM Number of Views: 63 | Item Owner : Drainageteam Contact Email: (None) Contact Phone: (None) |
Friendly reminder: Click here to read some tips. |