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Chapter 11: Problem 9

How do water and wind affect bare soil? Define and describe the process of erosion.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Water and wind affect bare soil through the process known as erosion. Water, particularly in the form of rain, can dislodge soil particles and lead to their displacement, while wind can pick up and carry away loose and dry soil particles. This natural process of erosion, which involves displacement and transportation of soil, contributes significantly to shape Earth's landscape over time.

Step by step solution

01

Define Erosion

Erosion is a natural process that involves the displacement or removal of the top layer of soil or surface of rocks over time. It generally occurs due to the action of wind, water, or ice. It is one of the key processes in shaping the Earth's landscape.
02

Effect of Water on Bare Soil

When it comes to bare soil, water, especially in the form of rain, can have a significant impact. When raindrops hit the ground, they can dislodge soil particles. This is called splash erosion. The dislodged soil particles are then carried away by the flow of water, either by surface runoff or by infiltrating into the soil. This is known as sheet erosion or gully erosion, depending on the volume and rate of water flow.
03

Wind's Effect on Bare Soil

Wind can also contribute to the erosion of bare soil. Airflow, especially at high speeds, picks up loose, dry, bare soil particles and transports them to a different location. This process is called deflation. Wind erosion typically happens in dry, low-rainfall areas and can result in significant loss of topsoil.
04

Summary of Erosion Process

Summarizing the process of erosion, it begins with the dislodging of soil particles either due to water splash (in the case of water erosion) or airflow (in the case of wind erosion). The dislodged soil particles are then moved to a new location, a process called transportation. The particles are eventually deposited elsewhere, which is the final stage of erosion.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the roles that humus, detritus, and soil organisms play in creating a soil favorable to plants. Identify the relationships among these three factors.

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