Erosion In The Colorado River

Everything on Earth cannot stay the same, except for the amount of mass on the planet. Even Earth itself changes. Throughout history, our planet’s land structures have changed drastically. Hills were formed and terrain was flattened. All of this was because of erosion. Erosion is the process of Earth being weathered down. The word “erosion” originates from the Latin word, “erosionem” which means “gnawing away.” Erosion is when forces of nature “gnaw away” at the Earth and cause the ground to move.
Erosion can be both beneficial and harmful. Over a long period of time, a large boulder may become sand and contribute to a beach where locals can leisure. A mountain can smooth into a hill and allow residents to build houses on it. Erosion can also
When rainfall hits the ground, it is called splash erosion. Erosion can also be caused by rivers. The Colorado River is one of the main reasons why the Grand Canyon exists to this day. Scientists say the river eroded the canyon for millions of years. Waves, which are caused by winds pushing ocean water into a certain direction, can make erosion to occur. This is called costal erosion, and it determines how high or low a coastline can be. Erosion caused by wind is common in dry areas, such as a desert, where wind can easily pick up sand. Wind erosion forms dunes and flattens areas of sand. Glaciers can also be a cause of erosion. When a glacier melts, it can flood land and move the soil. Even something as small as an earthworm can cause erosion. Earthworms and other insects that burrow in the ground make tunnels in soil and reform it. Humans also greatly contribute to erosion. Because of humans, the Earth has gone through millions of years of farming, cutting down trees, and the development of architecture. Humans drastically changed the earth so much, that every year one million acres of top soil
To control erosion, scientists have to consider three principles: they have to use land according to its capability, protect surface with a reliable cover, and be able to control runoff before it turns into a strong force of erosion. The capability of land is what tasks the land can withhold and how vulnerable it is to specific types of erosion. For example: the sand in a desert is not capable of absorbing water, however it is capable of being easily picked up by wind because of its low density. A surface cover is important in limiting runoff. It also is helpful in reducing the impact raindrops have when it falls on the ground and wind potentially removing soil. Trees can be used as a reliable cover up and can control soil erosion. The thickness of tree roots can help prevent landslides. Runoff systems can help provide control for runoff before it becomes a major force of erosion, such as a mudslide. Runoff systems also allow crops to get more water in an event where it rains, so it is also environmentally friendly, as well as the planting trees method. Other covers that can prevent runoff are fences, roads, pastures, and