Excessive erosion leads to loss of soil, ecosystem damage, and a buildup of sediments in water sources. Deforestation, overgrazing, construction, and road building often expose soil and sediments and lead to increased erosion. Erosion is a natural process, though it is often increased by humans’ use of the land. However, weathering and erosion can happen simultaneously.
Erosion is distinguished from weathering - the physical or chemical breakdown of the minerals in rock. Wind, water, and ice are the three agents of erosion, or the carrying away of rock, sediment, and soil.
