Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the UniverseChapter 7:
Weathering, Erosion, and SoilProblem of the WeekWhere 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: - Sustainable
Development Information Service: Disappearing Land: Soil Degradation
- US
Department of Agriculture: Total Wind and Water Erosion in 1997 [map
is here]
- Soil
Erosion
- Conservation
Practices: Slide Show
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