In earth sciences, erosion is the gradual movement of surface materials, usually rock, soil, or other dissolved material from one place on the Earth’s surface, to another place. Erosion can be caused by a combination of factors like creep, wind, water, ice, and mountain springs.
Erosion is different from weathering, which includes no movement at all. Weathering is what takes place over time when materials are exposed to the atmosphere and become weather saturated, such as rain, snow, sleet, and ice. Erosion can happen any time, even on the Moon, although very few sedimentary rocks ever show signs of erosion.
When sedimentary rocks are eroded, pieces of them are transported to new places, usually deposited in depressions along the edges of tectonic plate boundaries. These tectonic shifts cause tectonic movement, which is why some types of sedimentary rocks can be found on all surfaces of the planet. The Moon, for example, has tectonic plates that move with respect to each other, allowing materials to be moved between them, like sand and gravel. Erosion, on the other hand, occurs when materials are transported from one place on Earth to another. This transport can take place through wind, water, ice, and mountain climbing. The main type of erosion, though, takes place in our environment, mostly in the ocean, due to the natural processes occurring below its surface.
Global warming, ocean acidification, and increased water levels in lakes and rivers are all responsible for the tremendous increase in the rate of global erosion over the last century. One of the most obvious signs of erosion is tree loss, which occurs when layers of the tree get pushed apart. Another sign, however, is the thinning or disappearance of the edges of glaciers. In fact, most people have learned to recognize global warming, a phenomenon that is thought to be one of the primary drivers of glacier retreat. Global glacier retreat has become much more visible during recent years, particularly with the use of satellite imaging.
When the Earth is experiencing rapid climate changes, like extreme heat and precipitation, there is often a sudden, irreversible loss of the surface area of the soil. Evidence of this rapid change can be seen in the way that soil is eroding away at an alarming rate, with the most severe cases usually occurring in the tropics. Evidence of global warming can also be seen as the result of increased atmospheric moisture, which tends to erode softer soil. Some scientists believe that global warming and the resulting climate change is partially to blame for the rapid rate of soil erosion.
Global warming is one of the biggest threats to the stability of the Earth’s surface, since it leads to changes in atmospheric pressure that erodes the surface. One example is the shrinking of the Alaskan Glacier, which is why it is important to understand the relationship between global warming and erosion. Global Warming is believed to be one of the primary drivers of rapid climate change, changing the Earth’s temperature and precipitation patterns. The result is rapid and widespread weathering of the uppermost layers of the soil, leading to the formation of ice and snow that builds up in one place while draining to the nearby oceans and rivers.
Rapid climate change can cause erosion of mountains and caused water levels to rise, exposing the softer surfaces of the tundra or grasslands. For example, during periods of heavy rainfall, cliffs and banks can retreat, eroding hillsides and causing massive flooding of lakes and rivers. Rapid climate changes have caused the shrinking of some glaciers around the world, causing an increase in arctic sea-ice and the decline of methane hydrate seeps. This effect is particularly notable in regions with high alpine conditions.
When the Earth is undergoing rapid climate change, the tiniest of movements can result in massive erosion of the surface, with very little chance for recovery. As a result, it is vital to take action to save ecosystems by preventing further loss of wetlands and stopping climate change from contributing to further climate change. Prevention is better than cure, therefore. You should protect soil and vegetation, reduce your impact on animals and plants by following regulations, avoid creating dangerous conditions through overuse and inappropriate use of chemicals, prevent runoff and pollution, implement erosion management, and monitor the condition of your landscapes. If you think you know all of these recommendations, it is still important to visit a Utah landscape maintenance company and get a comprehensive analysis performed on your property to determine what your current situation could be, and find out the best ways to avoid erosion.
Wind erosion can be one of the most overlooked yet potentially most damaging forms of erosion. The key is understanding the force of wind erosion, how it affects the surface in various circumstances, and how it is affected by existing topography. Understanding wind erosion can help you better assess the extent of your landscape damage and decide how to address it. One place to learn about this is the Online Erosion Education Program (OEIP), which was developed by Utah State University Extension, the Sibley School of Management, and the National Bureau of Land Management. OEIP provides research-based educational experiences and guidelines that you can use to evaluate your Utah land and landscape damage from wind erosion and other sources.