Weathering
Weathering is the breaking down of rock by wind, water, ice and temperature. (the weather)
Weathering happens all over.
Weathering breaks rock into little pieces called sediments
Erosion
Erosion is the carrying away of weathered pieces of rock
Water is the biggest agent of erosion
Wind and ice are also agents of erosion.
Preventing Erosion
Weathering can not be stopped, but erosion can. The following are common ways to prevent erosion.
Plant vegetation
Spread Mulch
Build Retaining Walls
Build Terraces
Planting Vegetation
This is the easiest way to prevent erosion.
The roots of grass and hold soil in place.
This keeps soil from washing away.
Spreading Mulch
Mulch is a fancy word for wood chips.
When mulch is spread over soil it keeps water and from carrying soil away
Mulch is commonly used in city landscaping
Retaining Walls
Walls are often built to hold back large amounts of soil.
These are seen often along highways.
However these walls can also erode over time.
Terracing
Terracing is a method of building steps on a hillside to prevent soil from sliding down a hill
Terracing also makes land useable for farming or building houses.
