Question

How can erosion affect a mountain?

Answer 1

Erosion is a process of removal of the top layer of soil by running water or wind is known as erosion. Soil erosion happens in mountains due to melting of ice, rainfall, winds and due to the slope gradient. Rainfall majorly causes erosion in the mountain areas.

Complete answer:
Erosion takes place when the rocks and other particles are carried away from one place to another by the forces like ice, water, wind or gravity. Erosion is the mountains happen due to the flowing water which carries the soil and rock that forms the mountain. The main cause of erosion on mountains is gravity.

The erosion in the mountain is referred to as the crust sucking which is up towards the surface. The erosion in the mountains reduces the weight of the mountains. This increases the tectonic processes under the mountains. This pressure prevents the mountain from collapsing.

Erosion is a destructive force which makes mountains smaller. The agents like running water, ice erode the surface of the mountains. The glaciers cause mountain erosion as they pick up the sediments and deposit it in the valleys or the foothills. The erosion reduces the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Thus, the soil becomes infertile and unfit for cultivation. Further the erosion in the mountains leads to deposition of the top fertile soil and deposit it in the low-lying areas.

Note: The erosion in the hills can be prevented or controlled by planting shrubs. The roots of these plants are potent enough to hold the soil firmly. Also, the practise of intensive farming in which the slopes are cut in the form of terrace is effective in preventing erosion in the mountains.