Question

Define soil erosion? Describe causes of soil erosion.

Answer 1

The removal and transportation of the top layer of soil from its original position to another place, under the effect of strong winds and fast running rainwater, is called soil erosion.

Causes of soil erosion are as follows :
1.Strong winds:

• The soil which is uncovered and loose, is eroded, when it is exposed to strong winds.

2. Heavy rains:

• When rain falls on the unprotected top soil, rain water washes it down into the streams and rivers, etc.

3. Dust storms:

• Dust storms shift huge amounts of loose soil from one place to another.

4. Frequent floods:

• Fast moving water in the rivers removes the topsoil of the fields near the river banks and carries it away.

5. Improper farming and suspended cultivation:

• Farmers loosen the top soil of the agricultural fields either for cultivation or for removing the weeds.
• Such soil can get eroded, due to the winds or rains.

6. Human actions:

• Human activities such as expansion of urban areas has led to removal of vegetation from certain regions.
• The bare land is thus exposed to agencies (winds, rains) of soil erosion.