Water Erosion

I. Lesson Title: WATER EROSION

II. Overview:

Water erosion is the wearing away of the soil surface by water from rain, runoff, snowmelt, and irrigation. Rainwater in the form of runoff is the main driver of water erosion. It refers to the movement of soil organic and inorganic particles along the soil surface with flowing water and deposition of the eroded materials at lower landscape positions and in aquatic ecosystems. The eroded material can either form a new soil or simply fill lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Water erosion occurs in all soils to varying degrees. Slight erosion is actually beneficial to the formation of soil but severe or accelerated erosion adversely affects soil and environment. Understanding the mechanisms and magnitude of water erosion is vital to manage and develop erosion control practices.

III. Specific Outcomes: At the end of this module, the students can

One. discuss erosion, its causes and its impact.

Two. discuss the factors affecting erosion by water

Three. differentiate the types of water erosion.

Four. estimate soil losses using USLE and RUSLE.