Erosion-HoraceMannSchool.pptVIP

Erosion This is the process that moves weathered sediments from one location to another. Causes the loss of topsoil. Where is erosion more common?. More common on steep slopes than on gentle slopes. More common in areas where there is little vegetation. What are the agents of erosion? 1. Gravity 2. Running water 3. Glaciers 4. Wind What do the agents of erosion have in common? They only carry the sediments as long as they have enough energy of motion. They all drop their load when the energy of motion decreases. – the dropping of sediments is called deposition. 1. Gravity Causes loose material to move down a slope. This is caused mass movement. Mass movement can be slow or rapid Types of mass movement. Slump Creep Rockslide Mudflow Slump Type of mass movement that takes place on steep slopes. Loose material or rock layers slip downward as one large mass. Usually leaves a scar where the material originally rested. Occurs because the material under the slump weakens. Creep Rockslide Mudflows Running Water Water moves more sediments than any other agent of erosion. Running water has a great deal of energy. Water usually moves down hill under the influence of gravity. When water looses its energy it deposits its sediments. What happens to water when it rains? Soaks into the ground. Evaporates. Runs over the ground. – Runoff Eventually enters streams, lakes or the ocean. Affected by the amount of rainfall and the length of time over which it falls. Affected by steepness of land. Affected by amount of vegetation present. Types of water erosion. Rill and Gully Erosion Groove or small ditch on the side of a slope left behind by running water. Begins when a small stream forms during heavy rain. As stream flows it has enough energy to carry away some soil Groove created is called a channel. If the rill channel becomes broader and deeper it forms a gully. Sheet erosion Sometimes water erodes without being in a channel ex. Flowing out from a river, flo