Question

With the help of a suitable sketch show the action of running water that causes Sheet, Rill and Gully erosion.

Answer 1

To show the action of running water that causes sheet, rill, and gully erosion, here’s a basic explanation of each process, followed by a description of how you can represent it in a sketch:

1. Sheet Erosion: 
   1. Description: Sheet erosion occurs when the direct impact of rainfall and surface runoff removes a thin layer of surface soil. It occurs uniformly across a large area, leaving the land surface bare.
   2. Sketch: Show a flat, sloping field with a thin layer of soil being washed away evenly. Indicate the movement of water over the surface as a broad, shallow flow.
2. Rill Erosion:
   1. Description: Rill erosion happens when running water forms small channels, called rills, on the land surface. These are typically less than 30 cm deep and occur as water concentrates in small streams.
   2. Sketch: In the same sloped field, draw small, narrow channels forming on the surface where water starts to carve out tiny paths.
3. Gully Erosion:
   1. Description: Gully erosion is a more advanced form of rill erosion, where water further concentrates and erodes the soil, forming deep and wide channels or gullies. These can grow large enough to disrupt agricultural fields or even roads.
   2. Sketch: Show a deep, wide channel cutting through the field, much larger than the rills. Label it as a gully, indicating that the water has eroded much soil.

Creating the Sketch:

1. Start by showing a sloping piece of land with light water flowing across the surface (sheet erosion).
2. Add small channels beginning to form, representing the start of rill erosion.
3. Extend those channels deeper and wider in certain areas to illustrate the formation of gullies.