Soil Erosion - GCSE Geography Definition

Soil erosion is the process whereby the top layer of soil is worn away by natural forces like wind and water, or by human activities such as farming and deforestation. It happens when soil is not protected by plants, which normally bind it together with their roots. When soil erodes, it can lead to problems such as reduced ability to grow crops, increased risk of flooding, and loss of valuable nutrients from the land. In geography, understanding soil erosion helps us think about how to protect our environment and manage land use sustainably.