The Four Spheres and Land Degradation Introduction Learning Intentions: Exploring the interactions between the four spheres. Understanding the basics of erosion.

Forest Fire

Mt. Etna – Italian volcano

Hurricane Sandy

Land Degradation - Definition Deterioration in the quality of land, its topsoil, vegetation, and/or water resources, caused usually by excessive or inappropriate exploitation. (online business dictionary) ESSENTIALLY: The quality of land getting worse due to unsustainable and inappropriate use by humans. Ex. Deforestation, over-grazing, over-harvesting, land use change, construction, etc.

Why does land degradation matter? or

How are the 4 spheres interacting? Why would this be considered land degradation?

Land Degradation: Loss of Soil Weathering – the process of breaking down of rocks and minerals Erosion – the process defining the transport (movement) of the smaller parts of the rocks and minerals at some point after the weathering has occurred Transport – the way that small pieces of rocks and minerals by natural causes (suspension by in air or water, in a solution, tumbling along a surface, etc.)

Brainstorm with a partner Name as many of the different processes/actions that could cause the following to occur as you possibly can: 1)Weathering 2)Erosion