2007-03-08 12:51:57 · 6 answers · asked by DJeuvanie M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Erosion is the displacement of solids (soil, mud, rock and other particles) by the agents of ocean currents, wind, water, or ice by downward or down-slope movement in response to gravity or by living organisms (in the case of bioerosion).
Erosion is distinguished from weathering, which is the decomposition of rock and particles through processes where no movement is involved, although the two processes may be concurrent.
Erosion is an intrinsic natural process but in many places it is increased by human land use. Poor land use practices include deforestation, overgrazing, unmanaged construction activity and road or trail building. However, improved land use practices can limit erosion, using techniques like terrace-building and tree planting.
A certain amount of erosion is natural and, in fact, healthy for the ecosystem. For example, gravels continually move downstream in watercourses. Excessive erosion, however, can cause problems, such as receiving water sedimentation, ecosystem damage (including dead fish) and outright loss of soil.
2007-03-08 13:45:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After weathering, erosion carries the particles down. Like in the Rock Cycle.
2007-03-08 23:33:53 · answer #2 · answered by apples. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Erosion is carrying away small particles that have worn off a surface. Erosion is usually accomplished by wind or water.
Weathering is breaking off the particles; erosion is carrying away.
2007-03-08 20:56:19 · answer #3 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water acts as both a lubricant and a solvant. As a lubricant, it seeps between rock perticals, and as it flows, carries particles away.
As a solvant, water over time disolves minerals in rocks and breaks off more particals over time.
Wind works mostly on softer rock and materials, with constant blasting of hot air, the material can become dry and brittle as water is sapped out of the substance, making it more vulnerable to further degredation.
Ice can also act as a source of erosion. As water freezes, it expands. If water gets down into a crack and then freezes, it can push apart pieces of rock, cement, etc... exposing more surfaces to the degredating affects of water, air, heat, et al...
2007-03-08 21:51:44 · answer #4 · answered by CalKnight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earth (dirt) being carried off by water or wind.
2007-03-08 21:08:58 · answer #5 · answered by TJTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sand or some sort of dirt material washed away by a flowing liquid
2007-03-08 20:56:17 · answer #6 · answered by funny guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋