How do human activities contribute to erosion?
Soils in this part of the world are usually covered in thick vegetation. Herbs, grasses, shrubs and trees help to prevent excessive erosion caused by heavy rains in a number of ways: * Leaves and stems intercept the direct impact of raindrops, helping to prevent rainsplash erosion; * Roots create channels for rainwater to soak into the ground, help to anchor soils, and protect stream banks from the force of rushing water; * Decaying plant matter accumulates in and on top of the soil, creating a spongy “mat” that soaks up rain and prevents the soil from being washed away. When vegetation is removed, these natural functions are lost. Agriculture, logging, construction and road building usually involve removing existing vegetation. Unless these activities are carefully planned to minimize damage, erosion often occurs. When human-made structures stand in the way of coastal sediment processes, problems arise. One worst-case scenario is a slope failure that damages or destroys a house built
