Major Causes of Erosion:
* Water: Rain, rivers, and ocean waves are powerful forces that carve away at the Earth's surface.
* Wind: Strong winds can carry away loose soil and sand, especially in dry areas.
* Ice: Glaciers grind down mountains and carve valleys, while frost wedging (water freezing and expanding in cracks) can break apart rocks.
* Gravity: The force of gravity pulls soil and rock downhill, leading to landslides and other forms of erosion.
* Human Activity: Deforestation, agriculture, construction, and mining can all expose soil to erosion and accelerate the process.
What's NOT a major cause of erosion?
Sunlight: While sunlight is essential for plant growth, it doesn't directly cause erosion. The other factors mentioned above are the primary drivers of how soil and rock are moved.
Let me know if you'd like more detail on any of these causes!
