Erosion control work

How does erosion control work?

Erosion control is a method commonly used in construction, landscaping, and other fields to prevent soil, rocks, plants, and other environmental features from being damaged by wind or rain. Erosion control is important because the removal of certain landscape features can seriously impair the aesthetic or functional value of a particular land. In some cases, such as when buildings are built on or near slopes, erosion can even pose a threat to the integrity of the building itself. Civil engineers, landscape architects and others use a variety of techniques, from planting plants with extensive fibrous roots to developing elaborate drainage systems to control erosion. In mountainous areas, terrace farming helps prevent soil erosion. Some erosion control methods aim simply to divert erosive forces away from the surface of interest. For example, rainwater can run down slopes and through gaps in the landscape, and one possible erosion control method is to install a drainage system that completely bypasses the eroded surface. This method may not stop or prevent the problem entirely, but it can keep most of the water flowing away from the surface. In many cases, developing such a drainage system means simply digging a road for the water, which can be done at little or no cost. Thousands of years of wind erosion have caused the rocks to form the peaks and ridges called "Yadans." Effective drainage systems are not always the best way to control erosion. For example, detracts from the aesthetic value of an area, or the erosion itself may be caused by something other than water. In such cases, it is often necessary to reinforce the eroded surface in some way. For example, some plants may be helpful because their roots provide a kind of "net" to support the soil and prevent it from being washed or blown away. Placing a layer of wood chips or similar material over the corroded surface may also provide limited erosion control. Sometimes more severe erosion control methods are needed, especially in steep, little to no natural support.