learn

Erosion

The process of wearing away soil and land surfaces by the actions of water, wind, or ice.

The rate of soil erosion depends on the

  • type of soil
  • climate
  • vegetative cover
  • topography (slope and aspect), and
  • land management practices.

Erosion is a natural process, but people can greatly accelerate the rate of erosion by removing vegetation and using inappropriate land management practices. Eroded soil often ends up in our waterways, causing poor water quality. Good land management reduces erosion. Find out more about erosion control in the Actions for Healthy Waterways topic.