Erosion
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Erosion |
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What is Erosion? Erosion is the process of weathering and transport of solids (sediment, soil, rock and other particles) in the natural environment from their source and deposits them elsewhere. It usually occurs due to transport by wind, water or ice; by down-slope creep of soil and other material under the force of gravity; or by living organisms, such as burrowing animals. A certain amount of erosion is natural and, in fact, healthy for the ecosystem. For example, gravels continuously move downstream in watercourses. Excessive erosion, however, causes serious problems, such as receiving water sedimentation, ecosystem damage and outright loss of soil. While erosion is a natural process, it has been increased dramatically by human land use, especially industrial agriculture, deforestation, and urban sprawl.
Erosion can happen anywhere. It can occur outside your house, along the road, in a field, by the beach, on a mountain slope and in an agricultural setting. What's The Big Deal? At the area of erosion, the soil quality is reduced as the nutrient-rich upper layers of the soil are lost. This also reduces the soil’s ability to hold water, which can greatly affect the plants and animals in the areas as water flow is changed and available water is eliminated.Away from the erosion site, the detached soil may be transported considerable distances as it is washed into the local water systems. Anything in the soil, including pesticides and fertilizers, is also transported with the sediment into the creeks, rivers, ponds and to the ocean. The increased sediment in the water can lead to the silting-up (blockage) of dams, disruption of the ecosystems of lakes, death of aquatic organisms (both plant and animal) and the contamination of drinking water. The chemicals that are also moved with the soil as it is eroded can and do pollute the water, which can harm both plants and animals (and humans!).
In the above photo, sediment (via erosion) enters the ocean from streams and rivers.
How To Prevent Erosion... Do: · Try to direct debris flows away from your property to a recognized drainage device or to the street · Clear a path for the debris · Plant vegetation (trees, ground cover, shrubs and other plants) · Mulch slopes and vulnerable areas to retain moisture · Place protective measures to divert debris, not dam it · Work with your neighbors
Don’t: · Under-estimate the power of debris flows · Walk or drive across swiftly flowing water · Wait until the storms arrive to make a plan · Try to confine the flows more than is necessary · Put mulch in areas where flowing water will carry it away · Direct flow to neighbors’ property
For more information regarding erosion and how to prevent and manage it, please contact our office at (760) 728-1332 or visit us at 990 E. Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028. |
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