Erosion

geology · earth science · natural processes · weathering

Water wears away. Rivers and rainwater are nature's sculptors. They flow over rock and soil, carrying away tiny pieces and moving them downstream to new locations.

Wind reshapes land. Strong winds can pick up soil and sand, blowing them across deserts and coastlines. Over years, this creates giant dunes and carves canyons.

Ice is powerful. Glaciers are like slow-moving rivers of ice that scrape and grind rock as they slide downhill, carrying massive amounts of stone and soil.

Two types exist. Physical erosion breaks rock into smaller pieces through rubbing and cracking. Chemical erosion dissolves rock with water and acids, like how vinegar eats away eggshells.

Shapes the world. Erosion carves valleys, creates canyons, smooths mountains, and builds beaches as sediment piles up. It's one of Earth's most powerful artists.