Created by: Mrs. Matelski2012 ©MatelskiT2012 Erosion Created by: Mrs. Matelski2012 ©MatelskiT2012

Weathering and Erosion You have learned that weathering is the breaking down of Earth’s surface into smaller pieces. EROSION is the process that picks up and carries away these materials.

How does EROSION occur? Water Wind Ice

Water is the most powerful agent of erosion. Rain water picks up soil and sand as it runs off. Rivers carry away rocks and soils. Over MANY YEARS, rivers move enough materials to create valleys and canyons. Along the coastal areas, the waves along the oceans move sand and rocks.

WIND Wind erosion happens mostly along the ground surface. Wind carries off soil and small rocks You have probably felt the sting of the dirt and sand when it blows against your legs or in your face.

WIND In the 1930’s, large amounts of soil were lost when areas of the central United States received LITTLE RAIN. Plants died and could no longer anchor the soil when winds blew. This time became known as the “Dust Bowl”. A “wall” of dust approaching a Kansas home during the 1935 Dust Bowl.

Snow and ice can form glaciers in the mountains These glaciers move down the mountainside. As they move, they act like bulldozers, picking up rocks and soil and pushing boulders along in front of them.

Erosion is a natural process, but there are ways we can slow it down. Plant cover crops on bare land 2. Plant trees to slow the speed of the wind 3. Build terraces, raised rows of dirt in the fields to help slow the run off of the rain.