Weathering and Soil Erosion
WEATHERING
-A process which causes the breaking of rocks and other
materials on the surface of Earth.
MECHANICAL WEATHERING
- The process by which rocks are physically changed, but
their actual composition remains the same.
What Causes Mechanical Weathering
*Freezing and Thawing Freeze -thaw occurs when water
continually seeps into rocks.
*ROOT WEDGING -Plant roots can grow into cracks in
rocks. As the roots grow, they exert pressure on the
rocks, causing them to break apart.
*Animal Actions -Animals digging holes
*Abrasion -This is the wearing away of rocks by the action
of other rocks or sand particles.
*Temperature Change Rocks expand when they get hot
and contract when they cool down.
]*Exfoliation This is occurs when outer layers of rocks
peel away.
* GRAVITY Rocks fall and break apart.
*Human Activities Mining, Construction, Using explosives,
etc.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING -The process by which the
chemical makeup of a rock is changed into different
substance.
What Causes Chemical Weathering
*Rainwater and Acids -Rainwater is naturally slightly
acidic due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the
air
*CARBONATION -Carbon dioxide from the air can dissolve
in rainwater.
*OXIDATION -Breaking down of rocks by oxygen and
water
*HYDRATION -Some minerals in rocks can absorb water
molecules and undergo changes
*Plant Acid -Plants release weak acids through their roots
as they take up water and nutrients from the soil.
*Decomposition of Organic Matter -Dead plants and
animals release organic acids during decomposition.
*Human Activities -Pollution from industrial emission,
vehicle exhaust, etc.
*SOIL -A mixture of minerals, organic matter and rocks.
SOIL layers
Organic Layer
Topsoil
Subsoil
Parent Material
Bedrock
SOIL EROSION
-The process of moving weathered rocks and soil
from one place to another.
AGENTS OF SOIL EROSION
GRAVITY
WATER
WIND
Beneficial effects of soil erosion
Helped feed water sources with essential nutrients.
Helped cleansed the soil of any useless materials,
such as rotting tree matter.
Helps maintain habitats
Maintaining soil integrity.
Harmful effects of soil erosion
Loss of topsoil.
Poor drainage.
Reduced organic and fertile matter.
Water pollution
Ways to prevent SOIL EROSION
Plant Vegetation -Planting cover crops, grass, and
trees helps anchor the soil with their roots, reducing
the risk of erosion.
Contour Plowing -Plowing along the contour lines of
the land, rather than up and down slopes, helps slow
down water runoff and reduces soil erosion.
Terracing -Terracing involves creating steps on steep
slopes, which helps to slow down water runoff and
reduces soil erosion by creating flat areas for
planting.
Mulching -Applying a layer of mulch (straw, leaves, or
other organic materials) on the soil surface helps
retain moisture, prevent water runoff, and protect
the soil from erosion.
Windbreaks -Planting rows of trees or shrubs as
windbreaks can reduce the impact of wind erosion by
slowing down the wind and preventing it from
carrying away the topsoil.
Check Dams -Building small dams across water
channels helps slow down water flow, reducing its
erosive force and allowing sediment to settle.
