This is a simple Earthcache to make you aware of the effects of erosion and the impact on our ecosystem. . Erosion is the action of exogenic processes (such as water and wind) which remove soil and rock from one location on the Earth's crust and then transport it to another location where it is deposited.
The word "Erosion" is derived from the Latin "erosio" , meaning "to gnaw away". In general terms soil erosion implies the physical removal of topsoil by various agents including rain, water flowing over and through the soil profile, wind, ice or gravitational pull.
Erosion is a natural geological process in which the breakdown of rocks under sea and on land occurs due to natural forces. Erosion is a complex and highly important natural phenomenon.
It is due to erosion that the earth has shaped itself over the years. Not only is this phenomenon responsible for the formation of mountains, valleys and canyons, it has also played a part in determining the course of the human civilization.
Erosion can be caused due to various natural components. Based on their cause there are the following types of erosion:
1. Erosion due to water
2. Erosion due to wind
3. Erosion due to gravity
4. Erosion due to soil
5. Erosion due to glaciers
WATER EROSION - from rain or another source exposes water-sensitive areas which can decay, or the force of very hard droplets which can also erode hard sedimentary surfaces. As water builds up run off picks up soil exposing roots and rock underneath which can lead to destabilization.
WIND EROSION - Excessive amounts of of wind can cause top soil or sand to be blown away and expose other soils and rock underneath.
GRAVITY EROSION - Mass movement of soil occurs on steep slopes under the influence of gravity. The process involves the transfer of slope forming materials from higher grounds due to its own weight.
SOIL EROSION - A result of gravity pushing down on soil that may rest on hills, as well as water, wind and glacial melting, which can cause soil to wash away and tree roots to be exposed.
EROSION DUE to GLACIERS - Snow and ice will melt causing water to run down hills and mountains - this water has the tendency to cause stream-ways and ditches.
To claim credit for this Earthcache email me the answers to the following questions within 5 days of your visit or your log, per EarthCache policy, must be deleted. DO NOT post your answers in your log.
1.) Using the parking coords walk around the trail between Brint Road and Sylvania Avenue. This will be a nice walk on a paved trail. What type or types of erosion do you see?
2.) What type of erosion is being controlled here? How?
3.) Do you think that this type of erosion at this location can be stopped or reduced?
Field monitoring a erosion process. (Just south of Sign #2 waypoint.)