Author
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Boyer, Douglas |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 5/21/2003 Publication Date: 10/30/2003 Citation: BOYER, D.G. SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION (BOOK CHAPTER). ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CAVES AND KARST SCIENCE, JOHN GUNN, EDITOR. PP 658-659. 2003. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Soil erosion is the detachment and transport of soil by water, wind, ice, or gravity. Soil erosion caused by natural and geological processes tends to be slow, but episodic, and in equilibrium with soil forming processes. The influences of man's activities on soil erosion are evident all around us. Urbanization, agriculture, deforestation, construction, and recreation are among the most important activities of man that often accelerate rates of soil erosion. Karst systems are special in that highly developed subterranean conduits connected with the surface rapidly transmit water, sediments, and contaminants to distant springs and other resurgences. This chapter discusses soil erosion on karst landscapes and sediment dynamics in cave systems. As in any natural ecosystem, karst ecosystems develop equilibrium where all the components maintain a delicate balance. Man's activities on the surface increase rates of soil erosion and create sediment loads in some karst systems that cause environmental, biological, and economic problems. Suitable soil conservation strategies need to be developed specifically for the special conditions that exist on karst. |
