Weathering and Erosion
By: Isabel Quinones
Becky 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 covermodifies 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_weatherin
g_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!!!
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