Erosion takes place when land is worn away by different forces. These forces can be water, wind and ice. It can change the shape and texture of mountains and many other things too. Erosion has actually formed many cool features on Earth like mountain peaks, coastlines and valleys too.
Water Erosion
Water is one of the most powerful forces on the planet and the main force of erosion on at work Earth.
Rainfall - Rainfall can cause erosion when the rain hits the surface of the Earth. This is called splash erosion. When raindrops gather together and flow like small streams, this also causes erosion.
Rivers - Rivers can create a huge amount of erosion over time. They break up particles along the bottom of the river and carry them downstream.
Waves - Ocean waves can cause the coastline to erode. The amazing energy and force of the waves causes pieces of rock and coastline to break off. This changes the look of the coastline over time.
Floods - Large floods can cause erosion to happen very quickly as they act like powerful rivers washing over everything they come into contact with. When ice and snow melt, they raise the level of water in rivers, which can then tear through an area, eroding the banks as they go.
Wind Erosion
Wind causes erosion, too, especially in dry areas. Wind picks up and carries loose particles and dust away. It also causes erosion when the flying particles crash into the land and break off more particles.
Erosion by Glaciers. Glaciers are like giant rivers of ice that slowly move around. As they slowly move, they shape mountains and also carve out valleys. Other Forces Living organisms - Small animals, insects, and worms can also cause erosion as they break up the soil, making it easier for the wind and water to carry it away.
Gravity - The force of gravity can cause erosion as it pulls rocks and other particles down the side of a mountain or cliff. It can also cause landslides which can drastically erode an area.
Temperature – When the temperature changes and the sun heats up a rock it can actually expand and crack. Pieces will break off over time and there you have erosion once again.
Humans have increased the rate of erosion in many areas. It happens through farming, ranching, cutting down forests as well as the building of roads and cities. We’ve caused about one million acres of topsoil to erode each year.
What is happening here?
The trees and plants you see above you are holding the slope together with their roots. Walking and climbing on the steep hills around Green and Round Lakes can damage the vegetation that holds soil in place and cause erosion. New plants will not be able to grow as long as this damage continues. Without roots in place, rain and running water can run down the hill. Soil that washes down the hill onto the trail can disrupt things even more, and if it runs all the way down into the lake, it can pollute the fragile lake ecosystem.
To get credit for this earthcache, please send me the answers to the following questions:
1) What type of erosion do you see taking place here?
2) What steps are being taken to decrease erosion here?
3) How can you help
4) What else could Green Lakes State Park do to reverse the effects of erosion taking place?
5) Post a picture of you. your group or your GPS in the location. {faces are not required)
Please do not show the signs or obvious answers in your pictures! Answers may be found on the signs and through research.