Light

Soil erosion

Definition

Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced from one location to another, usually due to natural forces like wind and water. It can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, making it difficult for plants to grow.

Related terms

Sedimentation: Sedimentation refers to the deposition of eroded soil particles in bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes.

Desertification: Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert-like due to factors like climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Contour plowing: Contour plowing involves plowing fields along the curves of a slope rather than straight up and down. This technique helps prevent soil erosion by reducing water runoff.

"Soil erosion" appears in:

Subjects (4)

AP Chinese
AP Human Geography
AP US History
AP World History: Modern

Study guides (4)

AP Environmental Science - 1.7 The Hydrologic Cycle
AP Environmental Science - 4.2 Soil Formation and Erosion
AP Environmental Science - 5.2 Clearcutting
AP Environmental Science - 5.15 Sustainable Agriculture

Practice Questions (6)

What is the primary cause of soil erosion?
What is the role of vegetation in protecting against soil erosion?
Which factor contributes to soil erosion by water?
What is the primary cause of soil erosion by water?
How does the presence of vegetation in a watershed impact soil erosion?
What is the impact of sustainable forestry on soil erosion?

Are you a college student?

Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.