Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
is probably the greatest cause of unnatural erosion. Severe erosion as a result of tree
removal is illustrated in Figure 8.4. Tree roots and other vegetation hold the soil and also
assist in providing slope stability.
Effects
Uncontrolled erosion
on hilly or mountainous terrain increases the incidence of slope failure
(Figure 8.5)
,
and can result in the loss of roadways, such as almost occurred in
Figure 8.6.
FIGURE 8.4
Severe slope erosion caused by removal of vegetation (Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil).
FIGURE 8.5
Erosion of slope cut in silty residual soils results in slope failures (Sidikalang, Sumatra). Unlined ditch is
eroding and undercutting slope and roadway. Ditch in area behind vehicle is filled from slope failures causing
runoff to traversal in time will result in the roadway's loss. Such conditions are also a great source of sediment
carried to nearby water courses.
