Author Question: Surface creep is a common type of mass wasting in deserts. Indicate whether the statement is true ... (Read 57 times)

leo leo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 566
Surface creep is a common type of mass wasting in deserts.
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Question 2

Define soil degradation and discuss the processes leading to it.



bigcheese9

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 333
Answer to Question 1

False

Answer to Question 2

Any process that removes soil or makes it less productive is defined as soil degradation. Soil degradation includes erosion, chemical deterioration, and physical changes. Erosion is usually slow enough for soil formation to keep pace, but unfortunately, some human practices increase the rate of erosion.

Removing natural vegetation by plowing, overgrazing, overexploitation for fire wood, and deforestation all contribute to erosion by wind and running water. Running water removes soil by several different methods. Where gullies form and gullying is extensive, croplands can no longer be tilled and must be abandoned.

Soil undergoes chemical deterioration when its nutrients are depleted and its productivity decreases. Loss of soil nutrients is most notable in many of the populous developing nations where soils are overused to maintain high levels of agricultural productivity. Chemical deterioration is also caused by insufficient use of fertilizers and by clearing soils of their natural vegetation.

Soil deteriorates physically when it is compacted by the weight of heavy machinery and livestock, especially cattle. Compacted soils are more costly to plow, and plants have a more difficult time emerging from them. Furthermore, water does not readily infiltrate, so more runoff occurs, which in turn accelerates the rate of water erosion.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question


 

Did you know?

Medication errors are three times higher among children and infants than with adults.

Did you know?

One way to reduce acid reflux is to lose two or three pounds. Most people lose weight in the belly area first when they increase exercise, meaning that heartburn can be reduced quickly by this method.

Did you know?

Women are 50% to 75% more likely than men to experience an adverse drug reaction.

Did you know?

There are major differences in the metabolism of morphine and the illegal drug heroin. Morphine mostly produces its CNS effects through m-receptors, and at k- and d-receptors. Heroin has a slight affinity for opiate receptors. Most of its actions are due to metabolism to active metabolites (6-acetylmorphine, morphine, and morphine-6-glucuronide).

Did you know?

Children with strabismus (crossed eyes) can be treated. They are not able to outgrow this condition on their own, but with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. It is important for infants to have eye examinations as early as possible in their development and then another at age 2 years.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library