13 Examples of Erosion and How to Prevent Them

Human activities such as farming, construction, and deforestation can accelerate erosion much faster than it would occur naturally [1]. As soil and rocks move, they can be carried into rivers, streams, and other low-lying areas, where they may build up over time.

Although people often confuse them, erosion and weathering are not the same thing.

Erosion is the movement of soil, dissolved materials, and broken rock from one place to another.

On the other hand, weathering occurs when rocks break down into smaller pieces while remaining in place.

Examples of Erosion

1. Rill

Whenever you see small, narrow channels carved into the ground by running water, especially around your garden or house, you are seeing rill erosion.

These rills are usually small and shallow, but they can grow larger if not fixed. Unless you fill them in, they can become a hazard.

2. Raindrop or Splash

Rain comes in various forms, from a light sprinkle to a heavy downpour.

When raindrops hit the ground directly, they can strike with enough force to break up the soil. The soil particles then splash onto the ground surface.

That process is what they call splash erosion.

3. Gully

Gully erosion occurs when heavy rainfall creates deep grooves in the ground. This process moves soil along drainage lines.

Gullies often begin as small rills that grow larger after heavy rain.

4. Sheet

Sheet erosion happens when rainwater washes away a thin layer of topsoil over a large area.

The rainwater can slowly carry away loose soil. However, loose soil is the one thing we do not want to lose.

5. Riverbank

Riverbank erosion happens when fast-moving water wears away the sides of rivers and streams. This is also called streambank erosion when it happens along smaller streams.

Over time, the banks become weak and collapse, causing soil and rocks to fall into the water. This can make rivers wider and change their shape.

6. Mass Movement, a.k.a. Landslide

Landslides happen when soil, rocks, or mud move quickly down a slope. Heavy rain is a common cause, but earthquakes and human activities can also trigger landslides.

7. Tunnel

Tunnel erosion happens when water moves through the soil below the surface.

It slowly washes away soil underground, creating hidden tunnels beneath the surface. When the tunnel roof collapses, deep holes can form.

8. Deflation

Deflation is a type of wind erosion. Wind can blow away loose soil or sand, leaving behind rocks, roots, and heavier materials.

9. Scalding

Scalding occurs during droughts when animals have grazed too much grass, and strong winds blow over the bare land.

The lack of ground cover allows the wind to sweep away all loose soil. As a result, a barren spot forms in an otherwise verdant area.

10. Glacial

A glacier is a large, moving mass of solid ice.

Glaciers move very slowly downhill under their own weight. As they move, they scrape away soil and rocks.

They have carved valleys, lakes, and many landscapes found in northern parts of the world.

11. Tillage

Tilling creates deep grooves in the soil and breaks it up, allowing for better aeration and water infiltration. While this is a good thing, to a degree, too much tilling can cause soil loss.

Repeated tilling leaves the soil loose, making it easier for wind and rain to carry it away.

12. Flood Erosion

Flood erosion happens when floodwaters move quickly across the land. The fast-moving water washes away soil, plants, and even rocks.

13. Coastal

Wave action causes coastal erosion. Even the smallest of waves can erode the soil and loose rocks along a coastline, drastically changing its shape over time.

During storms and hurricanes, waves can trigger massive landslides and cause flooding. As a result, this causes drastic changes to the coastline.

How to Prevent Water Erosion in Farming

The washing away of soil by water is the most common form of land damage in agriculture.

Soil erosion is the movement of soil from one location to another, typically to an area where it is not beneficial.

Soil erosion can cause serious problems for farms and gardens. Here’s how to prevent water erosion naturally:

• Plant trees: Planting native trees provides roots and leaves that protect loose soil. Leaves can keep rain from falling so hard on the ground. Additionally, roots hold the soil together.
• Plant ground cover: Ground cover helps stabilize the soil and protect it from direct rainfall.
• Build retaining walls on slopes using brick, stone, or treated wood. Make sure they follow the ground’s contour. Add a slight slope to avoid water pooling in the middle.
• Use mulch: Mulch protects the soil from heavy rain, helps retain moisture, and slows runoff.
• Use drip irrigation: Watering your lawn or garden is like having a rain shower. Traditional watering methods can wash soil away, just like heavy rain. However, you can deliver water in small doses by using drip irrigation.
• Reduce or avoid soil compaction: Soil that is packed too tightly cannot absorb water well. Instead, water runs across the surface and washes away soil.
• Prevent bare soil: Heavy rain or excessive watering can wash away plants, leaving the soil bare. Bare soil is much easier for both wind and rain to carry away.

Preventing Wind Erosion

Usually, vegetation is depleted, leaving the soil bare to the wind’s forces. Below are a few prevention methods.

• Plant vegetation—cultivate the land with either cash crops or cover crops.
• Cover the soil; spread manure or mulch over the bare soil.
• Avoid overgrazing; do not allow animals to eat away the grass that holds the soil together. Bare patches of soil where animals are grazing are a sure sign of overgrazing.

Takeaway

While erosion is a natural process, human activities can accelerate it. The good news is that planting vegetation, protecting the soil, and using better farming methods can greatly reduce erosion and help keep the land healthy.