Erosion is a geological process involving the earthing materials worn away before being
transported through different forms of natural forces, including water and wind (National
Geographic, 2022). Most Erosion processes occur through liquid water and ice in the form of
glaciers. When the wind is dusty, or the glacial ice or water is muddy, Erosion takes place.
During erosion, there is usually brown coloration, which indicates several bits of soil and rocks
that get suspended in the glacier ice or water, through which they are transported from one
location to another (National Geographic, 2022). The material transported during Erosion is
sediment. Notably, the liquid water is the primary agent of Erosion on the earth’s surface.
Rainwater, floods, rivers, oceans, and lakes usually carry large amounts of sand and soil, slowly
washing away the sediments (National Geographic, 2024).
Erosion of soils on the surface of the land has a significant impact. These impacts include
the formation of oxbow lakes. According to the research article of National Geographic (2023),
an oxbow lake is formed when continued Erosion and soil deposition lead to channels cutting
through a small section of land at a narrow end of a meander. This lake’s formation is considered
a shortcut to a river. The oxbow lakes are in the form of remains of a bent river. The Oxbow
lakes formed through erosion processes and deposition are usually still water, so water can
neither flow into nor out of the lakes. The lakes have neither a spring nor a stream feeding them,
becoming bogs and swamps (National Geographic, 2024).
a. Activity
i. Coastal Erosion Ocean Science Experiment
- Water, a baking pan, and sand are used in the experimental activity. The sand is first
piled onto one of the two ends of the baking pan, then firmly pitted down to form a
gradual sloping beach. - Pour a small volume of the water into the baking pan slowly until the sand is partly
covered. - Gently, then progressively increase the slide of the baking pan forth and back to form
waves on your beach. - Make observations of the sand as it moves and shifts on the slide created.
ii. Repeat with embedded tree fibers acting as roots. - The sand is first piled onto one of the two ends of the baking pan and then firmly pitted
down to form a gradually sloping beach that contains tree fibers that act as trees. - Repeat steps 2-4.
a. Case study: How Rocks Degrade with Water and Time (Japanese
Experiment)
The experiment assessed the degradation of rocks with time, particularly the weathering
of granite. The chemical and physical changes occurring in the granite were exposed to water to
simulate the natural conditions. From the activity, it was found that degradation causes fissures,
cracks, and massive surface degradation, especially in the areas that have feldspar.
b. The Future
Shoreline hardening is one of the most effective strategies for preventing coastal Erosion
and weathering. Different structures, including groins, seawalls, levees, and rip-raps, can protect
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surface runoffs due to water currents, floods, and rainwater. Besides this, beach nourishment can
be done by increasing the sand on the beach, serving as a buffer against unprecedented Erosion
(US Climate Resilience Toolkit, 2017).
d. Activity 2
How do the effects of Erosion vary with differing soil types?
A. Gravel: Gravel has larger particles, making it more erosion-resistant than finer-textured
soils. This soil contains coarse texture particles that do not compact easily or allow water
to percolate. The larger the particles, the heavier they are, and the chances of being
carried away by wind or water are relatively low. However, having streams could move
gravel down slopes, especially for heavy storms or flooding.
B. Sand: Sand’s potential Erosion is very high since its component particles are fine and
loose. Particles of sand do not hold together fully as compared to gravel and, hence, can
easily be dislodged through wind or water. Wind erosion can cause desertification or the
formation of dunes. Water erosion also strongly influences the sandy soils because they
don’t have enough cohesive strength to oppose the water flow. The sandy beaches along
coasts are usually subjected to intense Erosion, especially in the case of storms, which
can wash great volumes of sand into the sea.
C. Dirt: Dirt consists of loam, clay, or even a mixture of organic matter, depending on the
composition, and has a medium susceptibility to Erosion. Loamy soils, containing a
balanced portion of sand, silt, and clay, normally resist Erosion better than sandy soils
owing to their structure and ability to hold water. Clay soils are more cohesive and
resistant to water erosion but can be prone to cracking and breaking under dry conditions,
which may increase wind erosion. However, uncovered dirt is highly susceptible to
Erosion, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or strong winds.
e. How can we prevent it in the future?
Erosion can be prevented through different methods. These methods include Mulching,
terracing, and increasing land surface vegetation. Vegetation is one of the most proficient ways
of preventing Erosion. Plant roots hold the soil particles together, weakening the possibility of
wind or water moving the soil. Trees, grass, and shrubs can effectively stabilize the soils,
especially those on slopes and areas prone to Erosion. Besides, vegetation promotes the
retardation of water movement over the land surface, creating more time for water infiltration
into the soil, hence reducing runoff at the surface. Terracing reduces runoff velocities, more so in
hilly or mountainous areas, due to which it minimizes Erosion on slopes.
On the other hand, Mulching is practiced by installing a layer of organic or inorganic
material, such as straw and wood chips, and synthetic fabrics, which protect the soil from direct
rainfall. Protecting the soil from being swept away reduces the momentum of falling raindrops,
thereby reducing the degree of soil particle disturbance. It also enhances the retention of soil
moisture, hence providing a more effective improvement to the structural strength of the soil.
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References
National Geographic. (2022, June 7). Erosion. National Geographic.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/erosion/
National Geographic. (2023). oxbow lake. Education.nationalgeographic.org.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/oxbow-lake/
National Geographic. (2024). Sediment | National Geographic Society.
Education.nationalgeographic.org.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sediment/
U.S Climate Resilience Toolkit. (2017). Coastal Erosion | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit.
Climate.gov. https://toolkit.climate.gov/topics/coastal-flood-risk/coastal-
erosion#:~:text=Increases%20in%20storm%20frequency%20and