Mountain Building The study of erosion and its effects on mountains Bridget Kelly, Maura Shanahan, Samantha Sippel

What is Erosion? Erosion is the process by which sediment is removed from its place of origin. Sediment can be removed by running water, winds or glaciers A muddy river is an indication that sediment is being transferred by water A cloud of dust is a sign that sediment is being transported by wind http://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsystem/ erosion/

Erosion of Mountains .1 to .2 mm/year is a reasonable average rate of erosion in mountains Isostatic compensation- The process in which lateral transport at the surface of the earth by erosion or deposition is compensated by lateral movements in a subcrustal layer Causes the crust to rise when material is eroded Causes the crust to sink when material is added

Erosion of Mountains Erosion of mountains may cause the elevation of the highest peaks to increase Erosion of the Himalayas removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and lowered global temperatures

Erosion in Ohio Each year an estimated average of 1.8 tons of soil erodes from 1 acre of Ohio Rural Lands With over 22 million rural acres in Ohio this amounts to over 40 million tons of soil erosion and costs close to $40 million per year This erosion occurs both naturally and from human sources Natural erosion occurs because of flooding or the washing out of stream banks Human sources include constructing roads and buildings and tilling cropland