Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe

Chapter 7: Weathering, Erosion, and Soil

Problem of the Week

Where Has All the Soil Gone?

Students should be able to look at the map and come to some conclusions about:

• What areas of the country are most affected by wind and or water erosion?
  
  
• Where are the most serious wind and water erosion problems?
  
  
• They should be able to find their region of the country and determine which is the biggest problem in their area.

In respect to water erosion,

• Note that this problem is concentrated around river basins and river watershed areas.
  
  
• This fact can lead to discussions of:
  
  
• sedimentation problems in our waterways;
  
  
• formation of delta areas;
  
  
• why delta areas are so fertile;
  
  
• why even though much of the sediment reaches the rivers, we don’t see it making it to beaches and shorelines – especially on the East Coast, where the construction of dams and other structures have depleted the sand supply to the coastal areas. This is enhancing beach erosion in some areas.

This topic could also be used as a springboard for a discussion of farming practices that prevent or minimize erosion.

Resources:

1. Sustainable Development Information Service: Disappearing Land: Soil Degradation
   
   
2. US Department of Agriculture: Total Wind and Water Erosion in 1997 [map is here]
   
   
3. Soil Erosion
   
   
4. Conservation Practices: Slide Show