Hillside EC EarthCache
Hidden : 11/8/2012
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


Erosion is the natural process in which material is worn away from the Earth's surface. Wind, water, and ice remove soil or rock from the surface and then deposit the material in other places.

Water is the greatest factor in erosion mostly due to running water wearing away at the Earth's surface. However, all forms of water take part in erosion. Rain splashes down removing tiny particles of soil. Water then collects on the surface and transports the soil down slope to streams, creating sheet erosion. Streams and rivers play a major role in water erosion. They erode the surface in all directions. Streams cut downward deepening the stream bed, into the sides of the channel causing bank erosion, and even forward eroding the channel uphill.

Wind erosion occurs when the wind lifts soil particles into the air. Abrasion then takes place when surfaces are worn away by airborne particles hitting them. Wind erosion takes place most commonly in deserts. Wind erodes away at the sand and rock contributing to the formation of sand dunes and rock formations.

Ice erosion is more powerful and water but takes place far less. Ice cuts into rock and soil as it moves. Glaciers contribute to erosion by braking up rock and transporting pieces of it to other parts of the Earth. This is where many of the erratic formations found in central Illinois came from.

Although erosion is a natural process, human activity GREATLY increases the rate at which erosion takes place. Excessive erosion is one of the most significant problems we face globally. Industrial agriculture, deforestation, and the building of roads and urban areas are the biggest erosional agents caused by humans. These acts increase land degradation from wind and water, decreasing agricultural productivity due to loss of nutrient rich soil.

There are ways to prevent excessive erosion though. Storm water runoff drain systems are established by local governments. During construction projects, sediment basins and silt fences are often used to prevent erosion. Vegetation can be planted to absorb the energy from wind or water. In areas where vegetation cannot be established, erosion control blankets and hard surfacing such as large rock roughly 4-6 inches in diameter can be used to protect the underlying soil. Terracing of land creating multiple flat surfaces down a slope is also a method of erosion prevention.

The given waypoint will take you to a hillside showing signs of erosion. What is unique about this sight is that the hillside is being eroded from the top and the bottom. Both bank erosion at the bottom and water erosion from the top are taking place here. Land management has implemented forms of erosion control and prevention. This is to prevent the hillside from giving way and sliding down any further.

To qualify for a smiley on this Earth Cache, you must visit this waypoint and answer a few questions. Send the answers to me in an E-mail not in your found it log. Found it logs without answers received in an E-mail will not be accepted.

1 - What are some forms of erosion you see at the waypoint?

2 - What factors do you think are causing these erosions?

3 - Which form of erosion do you think is having the greatest impact on the hillside?

4 - What forms of erosion control/prevention due you see?

Thanx for doing my earthcache!

Resources used in making this Earthcache are Wikipedia.org and About.com

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