CBSE · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Resources and DevelopmentWhat is soil erosion? Differentiate between sheet erosion and wind erosion.

Soil erosion is the denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down of topsoil caused by natural forces or human activities.

1. Sheet Erosion: Sometimes water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. In such cases, the top layer of the soil is washed away completely. This process is known as sheet erosion.
2. Wind Erosion: Wind blows loose, dry, and uncultivated soil off flat or sloping land. This removal of soil by wind forces is termed wind erosion.