Soil erosion
What Soil erosion means in Geography GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Soil erosion
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Soil erosion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Occurs when the protective canopy is removed, so heavy rainfall strikes exposed nutrient-poor latosol soils and washes them away.
The loss of topsoil, which is easily eroded by wind and water once vegetation is removed and plant roots no longer bind it.
An impact of food insecurity where desperate populations over-cultivate or overgraze land, degrading the soil further.
The ultimate physical process where topsoil is blown or washed away by wind and water once vegetation is removed.
Topics that use Soil erosion
- Food (AQA GCSE)
- Hot deserts (AQA GCSE)
- Tropical rainforests (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Adaptation
- Appropriate technology
- Climate change
- Interdependence
- Biodiversity
- Carbon Sink
- Climate
- Climate and weather
Using Soil erosion in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Geography questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge