Expert: Rangutan - 7/29/2007

Question
could you please explain the types of water erosion:
-splash
-sheet
-gully and
-valley/stream
thankyou

Answer
Hi Chris

The terms are pretty self explainable:
- "splash" erosion has the same effect as a garden hose. Rain drops fall with force on unprotected soil breaking it up; the loose material easily then transported away by excess water or later by wind or mechanically.
- "sheet" erosion occurs on flat (level) terrain much like rainwater flows of a sports field. If grass or plants are abscent, small rills may form.
- "gully" erosion is an advanced form of the rills mentioned above, floods often cause gullies instantly, washing away parts of roads or property.
- "valley" erosion leads to canyons over many hundreds and thousands of years.

You will find detailed explanations and some images of these at: http://croptechnology.unl.edu/viewLesson.cgi?min=1&max=6&topic_order=2&LessonID=...

Regards
"Rangutan" Rudi