2. Landslide is a geological phenomenon
in which rocks fall, and debris or rocks
move in a downslope movement. Its
major driving force is gravity.
However, precipitation, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, land instability, as
well as weathering of rocks and soil
erosion, are also factors that cause
landslides. They usually happen in
terrain areas.
3. Landslide is different from soil
erosion. Soil erosion happens
in different landforms. It is the
movement of soil from one
location to another, usually
through wind or water.
Landslide is one of the
phenomena that result from
weathering and soil erosion.
4. The occurrence of weathering
and soil erosion has major
impacts not only to the
environment but to living
things as well. However, it is
important to remember that
these phenomena have both
positive and negative effects
to humans and the
environment.
5. Positive Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
Weathering and soil erosion are
processes that shape the earth’s surface.
Aside from this, they can positively affect
the living things and the environment in
some ways. The following are some of
the positive effects of weathering and
soil erosion.
6. 1. The weathering of rocks helps in the formation of soil.
Soil is essential for sustaining life on earth. Many
microorganisms thrive in soil. Without it, plants would
not be able to grow to feed humans and animals.
Weathering is a significant part of soil formation. As
rocks break down physically, biologically, or chemically
during weathering, more soil is produced for living
things to make use of.
Positive Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
7. 2. Weathering creates different types of materials.
Through weathering, clay, sand and gravel
can be produced. These materials are important
to the plant life on earth. These materials are
important to the plant life on earth, but they are
also relevant to humans as they are usually used
in the construction of houses, buildings, bridges,
roads, and other infrastructure.
Positive Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
8. 3. Weathering provides access to some minerals.
Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron are
essential minerals found on earth. Rocks and other
geological materials are often filled with these
minerals, but they are not easily accessible to living
things. However, as rocks break down over centuries
and turn into dust due to weathering, plants and
small animals are able to extract these minerals from
tiny dirt particles.
Positive Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
9. 4. Soil erosion can wash away parasites in crops
and other bad chemicals that can harm the
vegetation in a certain area.
Since soil erosion displaces the topsoil and rock
particles that are broken down, it can also wash away
parasites along with them. Through soil erosion, harmful
chemicals that can hamper the vegetation in a certain area
are washed away too. This aids farmers in improving their
crops because healthy soil is one of the most important
factors in order to have a bountiful harvest.
Positive Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
10. 5. Soil erosion and weathering can result
to new landscapes.
Due to weathering and soil erosion, rocks are
broken down and the small particles are washed
away to a different location. This can result to the
formation of new landscapes that can be natural
treasures of the country.
Positive Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
11. Negative Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
Despite their positive effects to living
things and the environment, weathering
and soil erosion can also cause negative
impacts to the earth.
12. 1. Weathering and soil erosion can result
to the loss of soil fertility.
When soil erosion occurs either through
water or wind. It removes the topsoil part where
most nutrients are stored. Thus, the capacity of
the soil to hold nutrients is reduced. This poses a
great threat to farmers and the farming industry
in general.
Negative Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
13. 2. Weathering and soil erosion can cause
some microorganisms and other small
animals to lose their natural habitat.
As some life forms live in rocks and soil, they can
be greatly affected once soil erosion causes these
rock particles and soil to be washed away. They can
be brought to a new location that is not suitable to
them. These living things can lose their life during
transport too.
Negative Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
14. 3. Soil erosion can cause landslides.
A stable slope can be unstable once soil
erosion occurs. This can result to landslides in the
area. Landslides can cause damage to properties
and destroy different forms of living things.
Negative Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
15. 4. In chemical weathering, the acidic
rainwater can cause damages in some
structures that are composed of limestones.
Limestones are made up of sodium carbonate,
which is reactive to acidic substances. When the
chemicals combine, it leads to the formation of
carbon dioxide. When limestone is mixed with acid
rain, it can lead to the corrosion of the material.
Negative Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
16. 5. Soil erosion can cause water and air pollution.
The soil which erodes can clog the waterways and
settle inti rivers, lakes, and streams. The soil washed away
during soil erosion may include harmful chemicals and
parasites. Thus, when the soil reaches the bodies of water,
marine organisms can be greatly affected and water
pollution will occur. On the other hand, the soil particles
carried in the air lead to dust. This can be inhaled by both
humans and animal, which often leads to respiratory
problems and skin infections.
Negative Effects of Weathering and Soil
Erosion
