erosion
ih-ROH-zhun
/ɪˈrəʊ.ʒən/
The gradual destruction and removal of rock or soil by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice.
Involves the physical transport of eroded materials away from their original location, unlike weathering which breaks rock in place.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'erodere' (to gnaw away), composed of 'ex-' (out, away) and 'rodere' (to gnaw—the same root behind 'rodent'). Nature literally 'gnaws away' at cliffs and valleys like a busy creature.
Word relationships
- wearing away: Wearing away is an everyday phrase, whereas erosion is the formal environmental science process.
- degradation: Degradation refers to general decline in quality, whereas erosion specifically implies physical removal of material.
- accretion: Accretion is the gradual accumulation or growth of material, contrasting with erosion.
- deposition: Deposition is the dropping and laying down of transported soil or rock particles.
Commonly confused with
- weathering: Weathering breaks down rocks in place; erosion transports the broken material away.
Word family
- erode (verb): To wear away gradually by natural forces
- erosive (adjective): Causing or tending to cause erosion
Collocations
- soil erosion
- coastal erosion
- wind erosion
- prevent erosion
Example sentences
- "Coastal erosion has dramatically reduced the width of the sandy beaches over the past century." Environmental study
- "Heavy seasonal rainfall accelerated soil erosion along the steep and deforested hillsides." Agricultural science
Memory hook
Erosion is like a RODENT (from 'rodere') gnawing away at rock. Gnawing away soil and rock.
When not to use
Do not confuse with weathering (which breaks rock down without moving it).
Fun facts
- The Grand Canyon was carved out primarily by the erosion of the Colorado River over roughly 5 to 6 million years.
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