Erosion and Deposition
Pages 202-209
Vocabulary
1. erosion - the transport of weathered rock
2. deposition - the dropping off of weathered rock
3. conserving soil - using methods to save soil and slow erosion
4. strip farming - planting different crops in strips to conserve soil
5. contour plowing - fields are plowed across a slope, rather than up
and down to conserve soil
Facts to Know:
 Weathering and erosion work together to change and shape the
land.
 Causes of erosion are flowing water and wind.
 Flowing water is the biggest cause of erosion.
 Rain water moves sediments into streams and rivers as it flows
downhill.
 Waves cause erosion by breaking rocks apart and moving sand
to a new place.
 Wind picks up very small pieces of rock, sand, and soil and
carries them to other places.
 Rivers and streams both deposit sediment along their banks.
 Some soils and rocks erode faster than others.
 Sand can be blown or washed away more easily than pebbles.
 Floods, heavy rains, and strong winds cause erosion to happen
quickly.
 Plants also affect how quickly soil erodes.
 The Dust Bowl was an event in the Midwest that caused extreme
erosion from the overuse of the soil and a drought.
 Many animals died from the Dust Bowl because there were no
plants for them to eat.
 The Dust Bowl taught people that it is important to conserve soil.