CISEC Module 2: Background of an
Inspector
Surface creep erosion - ANS-the rolling and sliding movement of particles across a
surface. Represent about 5% to 25% of the total soil loss by wind. Creates sand dunes.
Saltation erosion - ANS-the hopping and bouncing movement of particles. Particles are
lifted into the atmosphere but return to the ground and dislodge other particles.
Represent about 50% to 80% of the total loss by wind. Transports the most soil!
Suspension erosion - ANS-Occurs when very small particles are carried great distances
by wind. Particles can remain suspended for long durations and can travel great
distances. Represent less than 10% of total soil loss by wind.
Raindrop or splash erosion - ANS-Dislodging of soil particles due to the impact of
raindrops.
Sheet erosion - ANS-Stripping of soil that occurs due to sheet flows of runoff.
Rill erosion - ANS-Small rivets that can be up to 3-inches (76 mm) deep that form due to
the concentration of sheet flow waters.
Gully erosion - ANS-Large and deep channels that occur when concentrates flows of
water scouring along flow routes cause sharp-sided entrenched channels.
Streambank and channel erosion - ANS-The removal of soil and other embankment
materials due to concentrated channel flows.
Factors that impact water erosion - ANS-Climatic events, soil erodibility, length of flow,
slope of land, erosion control BMPs, sediment control BMPs.
Sediment - ANS-Eroded material suspended in water or in air.
Sedimentation - ANS-The deposition of eroded material.
Hydrology - ANS-The study of the waters of the earth: their occurrence, circulation, and
distribution; their chemical and physical properties; and their reaction with the
environment, including their relation to living things.
Inspector
Surface creep erosion - ANS-the rolling and sliding movement of particles across a
surface. Represent about 5% to 25% of the total soil loss by wind. Creates sand dunes.
Saltation erosion - ANS-the hopping and bouncing movement of particles. Particles are
lifted into the atmosphere but return to the ground and dislodge other particles.
Represent about 50% to 80% of the total loss by wind. Transports the most soil!
Suspension erosion - ANS-Occurs when very small particles are carried great distances
by wind. Particles can remain suspended for long durations and can travel great
distances. Represent less than 10% of total soil loss by wind.
Raindrop or splash erosion - ANS-Dislodging of soil particles due to the impact of
raindrops.
Sheet erosion - ANS-Stripping of soil that occurs due to sheet flows of runoff.
Rill erosion - ANS-Small rivets that can be up to 3-inches (76 mm) deep that form due to
the concentration of sheet flow waters.
Gully erosion - ANS-Large and deep channels that occur when concentrates flows of
water scouring along flow routes cause sharp-sided entrenched channels.
Streambank and channel erosion - ANS-The removal of soil and other embankment
materials due to concentrated channel flows.
Factors that impact water erosion - ANS-Climatic events, soil erodibility, length of flow,
slope of land, erosion control BMPs, sediment control BMPs.
Sediment - ANS-Eroded material suspended in water or in air.
Sedimentation - ANS-The deposition of eroded material.
Hydrology - ANS-The study of the waters of the earth: their occurrence, circulation, and
distribution; their chemical and physical properties; and their reaction with the
environment, including their relation to living things.
