Question

The main agent of soil erosion in desert region is

Answer 1

Wind: In arid areas, wind is a powerful agent of soil erosion. During summer soils become dry and light. Whenever a powerful wind blows soil particles, they are carried to considerable distances. Soils in deserts are often carried away and the sand particles deposited in adjacent agricultural soil. The rate of wind erosion depends on the strength and direction of the wind and weight or size of the soil particles.


Rainfall or precipitation: Rainfall is one of the important agents of soil erosion. When water molecules fall onto the soils and weathered rocks, the soil particles become wet and are carried away in the flow of water. The rate of soil erosion depends on the type and duration of precipitation and the nature of the soil.



Rivers: Run-off water carries away weathered particles. Streams, rivers etc, transport the fine soil particles and deposit them in lakes and reservoirs.
Deforestation: Trees protect soils from erosion. Heavy precipitation cannot hit the soil directly. It is estimated that in newly deforested areas in tropical regions, organic matter is lost at the rate of 20 to 65 percent per annum. The presence of organic matter in the soil is vital for good water retention and growth of flora. Good water retention reduces soil erosion.