Chapter 11: Problem 10

What is the impact of water and wind on bare soil? Define and describe the process of erosion in detail.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Water and wind impact bare soil by causing erosion, which is the dislodging and transportation of soil particles. Water erosion can lead to gullies, rills and landslides, especially on sloped land. Wind erosion can lead to dust storms and nutrient loss, especially in dry areas. Erosion is a multi-step process involving weathering, transportation, deposition, and compaction, which reshapes landscapes, changes soil composition, and redistributes nutrients.

Step by step solution

Understanding Impact of Water on Bare Soil

Water, especially in the form of rainfall or runoff, has a significant impact on bare soil. It can dislodge soil particles and transport them away. This process is known as water erosion. This erosion can change the soil structure, reduce its fertility and lead to the loss of topsoil. Water erosion is typically more severe on sloped land and can lead to the formation of gullies, rills, and even landslides.

Understanding Impact of Wind on Bare Soil

Wind can also cause significant soil erosion, especially in dry, loose soil which isn't covered by vegetation. This process is called aeolian erosion. When soil particles are carried away by the wind, it can lead to loss of nutrients, reduced soil productivity and environmental issues such as dust storms.

Defining the process of Erosion

Erosion is a geological process where natural forces like water, wind, and ice move weathered rocks or soil from one location to another. This process intensely reshapes the earth's landscape, changes the soil composition, and distributes nutrients.

Detailing Erosion Process

The erosion process comprises of several steps: weathering (breakdown of rocks, soil and minerals), transportation (movement of these broken-down particles), deposition (settling down of the particles) and compaction (forming new sedimentary layers). The severity and rate of erosion depend on various factors like the climate, human activities, land usage, and vegetative cover among others. Over extended periods, this can result in significant geographical changes like the formation of valleys, cliffs, and other landscapes.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What is the impact of water and wind on bare soil? Define and describe the process of erosion in detail.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Impact of Water on Bare Soil

Understanding Impact of Wind on Bare Soil

Defining the process of Erosion

Detailing Erosion Process

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Physical Environment

Energy Resources

Biological Resources

Pollution

Ecological Conservation

Environmental Policy

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.