What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the removal and transport of soil, especially valuable topsoil, by water or wind.
Definition and processes
Core concept Runoff and wind can detach particles from exposed land. Slope, soil texture, vegetation and land use affect the rate; deposition elsewhere completes the process. How it is studied Field measurements and satellite imagery track bare ground, gullies and transported sediment. One storm’s damage differs from long-term average loss.
Applications and caveats
Why it matters Erosion can affect productivity, water quality and reservoir sedimentation. Cover crops, appropriate tillage and vegetation strips can help in some settings. Common misunderstandings Erosion is also a natural land-shaping process, but human activity can accelerate it. Not every windy day removes the same amount of soil.