Weathering and Erosion

By: Isabel QuinonesBecky Ramey

Nolan Whitney

Weathering

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soils, and minerals. DO NOT confuse this with erosion.

Erosion

Erosion is the process in which soil and rock are removed from Earth’s surface by processes such as wind and water flow.

Types of Weathering

There are three types of weathering such as Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical weathering.

Physical Chemical Mechanical

Causes of Weathering and Erosion

Weathering- rocks break down into smaller pieces. Just breaks down rocks; does not move them.Erosion- process which soil and rock are removed from the Earth’s surface by natural processes. (ex. Wind, water flow, ice)

Factors Controlling the Rate of Erosion

Porosity of the soil- void spaces where water can collect.

Induration of the soil- how hard the soil is.

Density of ground cover- modifies the impact of rain

drops. Slope degree- how steep

hills are.Length of a slope- this causes an increase of speed of running water.

Controlling Erosion Cont.

Velocity of running water- water’s ability to move soil rapidly moves with speed of flow increases.The degree of saturation of soil- the more saturated the soil the more soil grains are moved.

USGS- The Difference Between Weathering and Erosion

Weathering involves two processes that often work in concert to decompose rocks. Both processes occur in place. There is no movement involved. As soon as a rock particle moves we call it erosion.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion by water, wind, and tillage effects both agriculture as well as the natural environment. Soil loss is one of the most important yet probably the least well known of today's problems.

Historical Hopi Buttes Area

The erosion exposure of the deposits varies with those in the Eastern portion exhibiting, the shallow eroded maar. The deposits in the Western portion is more deeply eroded.

Erosion in the Southwest

Erosion is carving into Southwest Washington beaches. Erosion rates at Cape Shoalwater have averaged over 100 feet per year for a century. In recent decades, new erosion spots have developed. Storm waves near Grays Harbor threatened the city of Westport.

Coastal Erosion Prevention

The concern for uncontrolled erosion, and the economic dynamic of the coast is the sand dune.

Wind Erosion Prevention

Wind erosion happens when soil is not protected from strong winds. There is a loss of top soil. City and country people should be concerned with this erosion problem. Minimizing tillage practices or working the ground less will prevent wind erosion.

Beach Erosion

On a beach, there are fragile dune grasses. Fragile dune grasses help hold the beach together.

Geologic Hazards

Reduce the hazards by improving our understanding of ground failure.

FEMA Landslides and Mudflows

Landslides are a mass of moving rocks debris and a lot of soil.

Mudflows are landslides that occur when rocks that are loose, soil, and water are mixed.

Landslides Mudflows

Bibliography

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_differences_between_weathering_and_erosion&altQ=Causes_of_weathering_and_erosion&isLookUp=1

http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/weathering

http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/erosion

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_factors_can_effect_the_rate_of_erosion

Bibliography Cont.

http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/misc/gweaero.html

http://soilerosion.net

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopi_Buttes_volcanic_field

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/coast/erosion/study.html

http://www.advancedcoastaltechnology.com

http://www.environmental.ualberta.co/SoilPostures/wind.cfm

Bibliography Cont.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com

http://landslides.usgs.gov

http://wikipedia.org

http://educatoral.com/weathering_erosion_webques.html

http://answers.com

Thanks For Watching!!!