Erosion (geology). Erosion - what is it? Types, causes and consequences of soil erosion Erosion definition
Types of erosion processes
Erosion processes that are studied during geological surveys include the following types:
- planar erosion;
- ravine;
- linear.
planar erosion implies the washing away of the upper layer of soil on the slopes by streams of melt (rain) water. The actions of this type of erosion processes do not significantly bring catastrophic consequences, since they are of a small scale. Of course, when designing a building (house, cottage, structure) in a territory prone to this species erosion, it is worth considering this nuance and taking protective measures in a timely manner (strengthening slopes, for example). Since this threatens to undermine the foundation, as well as deformation of the entire structure. The consequences of planar erosion are a partial washout of the soil in a particular area, as well as its alluvium in another part of the area.
Gully erosion accompanied by temporary flows of water, which are concentrated in furrows and other depressions that have a linearly elongated shape (beam, slope, etc.). Geological surveys study areas prone to the formation of ravine erosion processes in as much detail as possible, since the damage they cause can reach enormous proportions. With an intense flow of rainwater along the slope, the consequence is the formation of ravines up to 20 meters deep. Such situations can lead to global consequences during construction. The formation of ravines of such depth on the building site in some cases leads to a complete stop of construction.
Linear erosion operates mainly on small areas and leads to the dismemberment of the earth's surface. This process is also called "river erosion", since it operates mainly in river valleys. This leads to the destruction (washout) of the coast. In this case, the soil layer and its main physical and mechanical properties. In development areas located near rivers, it is mandatory to conduct hydrogeological studies, study the properties of soils, study in detail the geology of the site as a whole, as well as the geological conditions of the adjacent territory.
It is important to take into account the erosion-accumulation processes in the area for development, as well as during operation. building objects, because the consequences can be simply irreparable. Timely survey of the territory can significantly reduce the damage caused by erosion processes. The study of archival materials, the determination of the strength characteristics of soils in the laboratory, field geological studies provide detailed information on a specific area and make it possible to predict changes in geological conditions, in particular, the occurrence of dangerous geological processes (erosive). If erosion is detected in the study area, design organizations, according to the geological report, will be able to establish protective security measures or take special measures to prevent destructive erosional consequences.
The rocks on the surface are gradually destroyed under the influence of erosion processes, or weathering. There are two main types of erosion - mechanical and chemical. Most rocks are destroyed as a result of the combined effect of these types of erosion. Fragments of crumbled rocks are carried away by the waters and continue to collapse under the influence of various factors. When moving, the fragments continue to be crushed by other rocks, while forming more and more new fragments. Further destruction of the fragments can turn them into sand and dust. Delamination is sometimes called peeling, as the rocks are stratified like onion skins.
Erosion also occurs after small fragments of stones have already accumulated as a result of weathering. Water, ice and wind carry rock fragments, which along the way beat and rub against other rocks, turning into sand and dust. In the end, they settle in a new place.
mechanical erosion
During the day, it heats the surface of the rocks, and the minerals expand. At night it falls, and the minerals shrink. Most rocks typically contain many types of minerals that expand and contract at different rates and intensities, resulting in cracking and surface failure. This is the basic scheme of mechanical erosion. If the rock contains minerals of the same type, then entire areas of the surface alternately expand and contract, causing the so-called delamination.
In cold regions, rocks that have already developed cracks and splits can be destroyed by the process of melting and freezing. Getting into such cracks, it freezes and expands them. The ice causes great stress and pressure in the rocks, enlarging and widening the cracks. When the temperature rises, the ice melts, and when the temperature drops, it freezes again. Over time, blocks of stone crumble into pieces.
Water that gets into the cracks freezes and gradually expands them. The process of melting and freezing breaks rocks into pieces. Fragments, accumulating, form rubble dumps, which slide down under their own weight.
Freezing effect
By freezing a piece of clay in the refrigerator, you can visually demonstrate the effect of melting and freezing. This will require two lumps of clay (one for comparison), polyethylene for wrapping and the presence of a refrigerator. You can use clay from your garden.
What you need:
1.Knead both lumps of clay to squeeze out the bubbles and make them more compact. Thoroughly knead each lump.
2. Wrap each wad in plastic wrap. Put one in the freezer of the refrigerator, and the other on the windowsill. Leave them overnight.
3. Remove the clay from the refrigerator in the morning and remove the lump from the windowsill. When the clay from the refrigerator thaws, compare it with the one that lay overnight on the windowsill. Cracks in the thawed clay testify to the effect of melting and freezing.
chemical erosion
Chemical erosion occurs when minerals are dissolved by chemicals found in acid rain, for example. Even ordinary rain absorbs gases from the air, resulting in the formation of a weak acid that actively affects the rocks. In rocks such as limestone, caustic rainwater enters the cracks, significantly increasing them. Chemicals contained in rainwater gradually corrode the rocks.
acid rain
Acid rain is caused by severe air pollution. When fossil fuels, such as coal and coal, are burned, gases containing sulfur and nitrogen are formed. These substances react with water droplets to form acids and turn ordinary rain into acid rain. that carry acid rain can travel great distances. Thermal power plants emit a lot of waste gases.
Acid rain destroys the protective film on the leaves of plants and penetrates into them through the roots. Acid rain, falling on the surface, is absorbed into the soil and enters rivers and lakes, killing all life. Acid rain markedly increases chemical erosion. In the rocks, it causes great damage to ancient buildings and statues.
Erosion as a result of vital activity of plants and animals
Plants and animals actively contribute to the destruction of rocks by mechanical and chemical erosion. Plant roots can penetrate the cracks and enlarge them further. Some lichens secrete a weak acid that corrodes the surface of rocks. Animals digging holes for themselves in softened rocks contribute to the penetration of water into them.
Rivers
Rivers carry a lot of debris in their waters, which gradually destroy their channels and banks. As soon as the flow of the river slows down, these debris are deposited on the bottom. Seas. Waves pick up small pebbles and sand, carrying them along the coast and causing intense erosion of the coastal strip. They also carry rocks and sand ashore. Ice. In cold regions, fragments of stones often freeze into ice. When the ice slides, these fragments rub against the rocks, causing their intense erosion.
Wind
The wind picks up small particles and, throwing them onto rocks, actively destroys them. Wind erosion is especially powerful in deserts.
erosion acceleration
Human activity contributes to the acceleration of erosion. For example, soil erosion by wind and water has become a serious problem in many areas. large areas forests are cut down for fields and other economic needs. Plant roots no longer hold the top layers of the soil. The winds blow away the soil, leaving a dusty void in its place.
Erosion- destruction of rocks and soils by surface water flows and wind, including the separation and removal of fragments of material and is accompanied by their deposition.
Distinguish between water and wind erosion.
Types of water erosion: gully (linear, jet), plane and irrigation (irrigation).
drip erosion
Destruction of the soil by impacts of raindrops. Structural elements (lumps) of the soil are destroyed under the action of the kinetic energy of raindrops and are scattered to the sides. On slopes, downward movement occurs over a greater distance. Falling, soil particles fall on a film of water, which contributes to their further movement. This type of water erosion is of particular importance in the humid tropics and subtropics.
planar erosion
Planar (surface) erosion is understood as a uniform washout of material from slopes, leading to their flattening. With some degree of abstraction, they imagine that this process is carried out by a continuous moving layer of water, but in reality it is produced by a network of small temporary water flows.
Surface erosion leads to the formation of eroded and reclaimed soils, and on a larger scale, deluvial deposits.
Linear erosion
Unlike surface erosion, linear erosion occurs in small areas of the surface and leads to the dismemberment of the earth's surface and the formation of various erosion forms (gullies, ravines, gullies, valleys). This also includes river erosion produced by constant flows of water.
Causes of soil erosion.
- Climate influences the development of erosion processes as a result of temperature fluctuations, the amount and intensity of precipitation, and wind strength.
- wind. The erosive force of the wind begins to manifest itself at a speed of 8–12 m/s at a height of 10 m from the soil surface, it becomes significant at 12–15 m/s, and strong at 16–25 m/s.
- Relief is the main cause of water erosion. The length and steepness of the slope, the size of the watershed, the shape of the slope surface determine the degree of development of erosion processes. The longer the slope and the greater its steepness, the larger the area and with greater intensity erosion develops.
- Intensity soil flushing depends on the shape of the slope. On convex slopes it is greater, on concave slopes it is less. Often the slopes have a complex shape: in one place - convex, in another - straight or concave.
- Condition and features of soils Thus, well-structured, humus-rich soils of light and medium loamy mechanical composition are characterized by friability, good water permeability, and therefore runoff and erosion on them are sharply reduced. On the contrary, on unstructured, pulverized, compacted soils of heavy mechanical composition, water slowly absorbs, accumulates on the surface and flows down to low relief places, causing washout and erosion of the soil.
- The emergence and development of erosion is largely determined by the mechanical composition of the soil. IN natural conditions deflation is more susceptible to soils of light mechanical composition - sandy and sandy loam. Heavy (argillaceous) soils are subject to air erosion only in a loosened, sprayed state or after the destruction of the upper layer as a result of grazing. Carbonate soils - chernozem and chestnut soils - are easily destroyed under the influence of wind. Solonetzic soils and solonetzes are wind-resistant.
- Destruction of woody vegetation
- Overgrazing
Soil protection crop rotations
To protect soils from destruction, it is necessary to correctly determine the composition of cultivated crops, their alternation and agricultural practices. With soil-protective crop rotations, tilled crops are excluded (since they weakly protect the soil from flushing, especially in spring and early summer) and increase the sowing of perennial grasses, intermediate undersow crops, which well protect the soil from destruction during erosion-prone periods and serve as one of better ways cultivation of eroded soils.
Agrotechnical anti-erosion measures.
The simplest measures to regulate the surface runoff of melt water are plowing, cultivation and row sowing of crops across the slope, if possible parallel to the main direction of the horizontals. One of the most effective soil protection methods on sloping lands is the replacement of moldboard plowing with soil cultivation without layer turnover.
Forest reclamation activities
They include planting forests, creating protective forest belts for various purposes:
- windproof, created along the boundaries of crop rotation fields;
- field-protective, laid across the slopes to delay the surface runoff of deluvial waters;
- near-river and shore; forest plantations along slopes and bottoms of gullies and ravines; water-protective forest plantations around reservoirs, lakes, canals;
- forest plantations of general conservation purpose on lands unsuitable for agriculture.
Although all women are afraid of the appearance of such a pathology as cervical erosion, it is one of the benign processes in the female body. The place of its localization is the cervical mucosa, on which a rounded formation up to two centimeters in diameter is formed. There are several types of erosion, and each of them has its own characteristics. So, they distinguish between congenital, pseudo-erosion and true. We will talk more about cervical erosion, types, causes, symptoms later.
General information
First of all, it should be noted that cervical erosion is one of the most common diseases that concern women. Erosion should not be greatly feared, since, as already mentioned, this is a benign process, which only in extreme cases has serious consequences.
A little earlier in the article it was said that erosion has several varieties, the features of which should be discussed and considered in more detail.
congenital erosion
With congenital erosion, the cervical columnar epithelium is displaced, and as a result, a chronic disease of this type occurs. main feature in that such erosion has practically no symptoms and manifests itself more often in childhood or adolescence. It is possible to identify such a disease only when examined by a gynecologist. Congenital erosion is interesting in that it does not need treatment, since the possibility of its development into a malignant tumor is almost completely excluded.
true erosion
True erosion, unlike its other types, chooses the pharynx as the place of its localization, or rather, its outer or back side. Much less often, such erosion can be found on the lip of the cervix. As for her appearance, then this is not too large an area that has a rounded shape and a bright red tint, sometimes it can even bleed. if erosion occurs, then it is clear sign that the mucosa was damaged. In the case of true erosion, purulent accumulations may form on it. This type of erosion exists for only fourteen days, after which this place is covered with epithelium. And then comes the next stage, which is called pseudo-erosion.
pseudo-erosion
Pseudo-erosion - a type in which an area appears, painted in bright red. It is impossible to accurately describe its shape, since each woman has her own, as well as sizes. Pseudo-erosion can have a diameter of several millimeters, and can reach two or three centimeters. Sometimes, slight mucous secretions form on the surface of the wound, which may contain pus. It is impossible to establish the duration of the disease, since much here depends on what caused the wound to form, and what methods of struggle were taken. Its main danger is that a relapse can occur, and a safe wound will develop into a cancerous tumor. This fact the doctor must take into account when prescribing treatment.
Causes of erosion
There are a number of reasons why a disease can occur, and each of them is special in its own way. Let's see what are (the treatment of this disease directly depends on the provoking factors):
- The main reason is mechanical injury. They can occur during intercourse if the man is too rough and not careful, due to abortions, which are carried out by curettage, and erosion can also occur directly during childbirth.
- Some sexually transmitted infections can cause a sore on the cervix. Among such diseases are genital herpes and papillomavirus.
- If a woman knows that an infection lives in her genital tract and does not react to it in any way, then most likely she will soon have erosion.
- If sexual life was started too early or too late, then this is also a serious reason for the cervix to be damaged. Everything must happen in its own time.
- And also erosion occurs in girls who change sexual partners too often or, conversely, are content with too rare sexual intercourse.
- Even a banal violation of the menstrual cycle can damage the cervix.
- A sharp decrease in immunity is another reason for erosion to appear.
- It is especially dangerous if a woman combines several of the above reasons at once. In this case, it is almost impossible to avoid the appearance of a wound on the cervix.
Erosion is quite rare in patients who are of retirement age, but if this happens, then the pressure of the uterine ring may be the cause. There is another type worth mentioning - physiological erosion. It occurs in girls who have not yet reached the age of 25, and tends to heal on its own.
Symptoms
In addition to the reasons why cervical erosion appears, every woman should know her symptoms in order to seek help from her gynecologist in time.
In almost one hundred percent of cases, erosion does not manifest itself in any way. There is no specific symptomatology in the world that would unmistakably indicate that a woman has erosion. Therefore, most often, this disease is detected only at a routine examination by a gynecologist. However, in medical practice, symptoms are still established that clearly indicate that the cervix is \u200b\u200bdamaged:
- Women have spotting, which can in no way be associated with the menstrual cycle. Especially often such discharge appears after sexual intercourse.
- Many women who have been diagnosed with erosion have experienced pain during sex.
- Perhaps even the appearance of purulent discharge. This is already clear evidence that an inflammatory infection has also joined the erosion, which significantly aggravates the situation. Some patients may confuse such discharge with thrush or the onset of menstruation.
So, most of practicing gynecologists refer to the signs of cervical erosion of discharge and pain, especially those that occur during or after sexual intercourse.
Diagnostics
An experienced gynecologist will be able to indicate the presence of erosion after the first examination of the patient, however, a number of tests are required to accurately establish the diagnosis and begin the treatment process:
- First of all, the doctor is obliged to take a smear on the flora from the woman. This procedure is standard when visiting a gynecologist.
- Next, an extended colposcopy is performed.
- Also, the doctor may prescribe various cytological studies.
- PCR is being diagnosed, which is necessary in order to exclude the presence of any venereal disease.
- A woman takes a blood test, which determines the absence of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis.
- Be sure to give bacteriological culture.
- If the doctor has doubts about the benignness of the tumor, he may also order a biopsy. Such an analysis is not assigned to all patients, but only in case of emergency and at the discretion of the attending physician.
From this we see that the causes of cervical erosion and the treatment of the disease can be accurately determined only after all the necessary tests have been carried out.
Treatment
We have already found out the causes, symptoms of cervical erosion, but treatment requires a separate paragraph in the article, since it is not a common type of disease for all. Therapy is prescribed depending on what type of erosion the woman has, what is its size, whether there are concomitant infectious diseases.
So, it is enough to constantly monitor congenital erosion, since in most cases it heals on its own. As for treatment, surgical intervention is not excluded, but doctors try to get by with more conservative methods. It all depends solely on the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Perhaps, for some, the phrase “conservative treatment” is incomprehensible. This means that, first of all, the doctor does not fight with the erosion itself, but with the reason for which it appeared. Therefore, in this case, the main task is to determine what kind of disease accompanied the appearance of wounds. After an accurate diagnosis, the gynecologist prescribes therapy. Most often, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. As excipients, immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
Local treatment of the cervix during the examination may also be carried out. To do this, use special preparations that lead to coagulation of the area that has been damaged. But such a procedure can be carried out only if erosion refers to benign formations. This method is well suited for girls who do not yet have children. Such drugs do not leave scars on the neck, which means that there is a possibility that during childbirth there will be no mucosal ruptures and erosion will not occur again. This is perhaps the main advantage of the method. But he also has one drawback - not a single patient can be insured against relapse.
If this method did not show the result, then surgical intervention is prescribed. This is not an operation, but simply cauterization of the wound. There are several ways to do it:
- Electrosurgery.
- laser destruction.
- Thermocoagulation.
- Cryosurgery.
- Radiosurgery.
Let's take a closer look at the types of cauterization of cervical erosion for women who have not given birth and already have children.
Cryodestruction
This method is one of the most sparing, since liquid nitrogen is used here, which, as it were, freezes the wound and does not affect healthy tissues. In addition to the effectiveness and safety of this method, there is also the fact that during the procedure the patient practically does not feel anything. And also there is completely no risk that a scar forms on the cervical canal. It will take approximately four weeks for the cervix to heal completely. A side effect is irregular watery discharge. Doctors during the healing period recommend to refrain from strong physical exertion and sexual intercourse.
laser treatment
Laser cauterization is one of the relatively new types of cervical erosion. It is good because it is carried out without contact. The laser is simply aimed at the wound and within a certain time it heals. There is no effect on healthy tissues, which is another definite plus. Especially often, laser treatment is prescribed for women who have not given birth. Because it leaves no trace behind.
Radio wave treatment
Radio waves are a type of cauterization of cervical erosion that has been around for a long time. It is practically painless, which was achieved due to the fact that radio waves seem to “solder” the nerve endings that are in and around the wound. During this procedure, all healthy tissue remains intact. Perhaps even use in young girls who do not yet have children. The procedure is also good because after it the woman has practically no restrictions and there are no scars.
ethnoscience
We examined the types of surgical removal of cervical erosion, but we must not forget about folk recipes.
Probably, there is no such disease that traditional medicine would not cure. Even for the treatment of cervical erosion, there are several useful recipes here. However, doctors do not trust such methods of treatment, since they rarely bring a really positive result. Folk recipes can be used to stop the growth of the wound or to prevent inflammatory processes from appearing.
The most common recipe among the people is tampons dipped in sea buckthorn oil. And also grandmother's recipes recommend douching using a solution of calendula. Of course, these substances have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, however, if only these recipes are used, it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely recover. In general, folk recipes can be used only after prior consultation with a specialist. Because you can not only not help, but even more harm yourself.
Prevention
There is a whole set of rules for the prevention of all types of cervical erosion, which should be familiar not only to every woman, but also to her partner:
- It is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene, and this applies not only to the female, but also to the male half.
- If a woman comes into contact with a new sexual partner, then she is simply obliged to insist that he use a condom.
- If a girl does not have a permanent partner, and men often change, then this can lead to the fact that the microflora of her vagina will change, and this will lead to the development of various infections, which can then cause erosion.
- It is necessary to regularly, or rather once every six months, visit a gynecologist in order to detect the disease in time and take up its treatment.
- If you notice at least some changes, then immediately consult a doctor, because even the slightest discomfort during intercourse or just like that can signal the development of a disease.
So, if you follow these simple rules, then you will be able to avoid the appearance of any kind of cervical erosion. But do not forget that no woman is immune from this problem, so you cannot be 100% sure of your safety. Your main duty is to visit a specialist who can warn you about the problem in time and get rid of it. And remember, there is nothing to worry about. After all, a large number of women are afraid of such diseases, and do not go to the doctor, which they later regret very much.
- (from the Greek erodo I corrode), the destruction of rocks (weathering), soil and any other formations of the Earth's surface by natural agents (water, wind, glaciers). Erosion destroys fertile layer soil, ravines, beams appear ... ... Ecological dictionary
EROSION, change in the shape of the landscape as a result of the gradual destruction of the surface of hard rocks and soil, accompanied by the removal of the resulting debris (as opposed to weathering). It is created by the action of winds, water, the movement of glaciers and ... ... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary
- [lat. erosio corrosive] gradual destruction, decay. Dictionary of foreign words. Komlev N.G., 2006. erosion (lat. erosio erosion) 1) the process of destruction of rocks, consisting of mechanical erosion, grinding and abrasion of the channel ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
erosion- and, well. erosion f. lat. erodere corrode. 1. spec. In geology, destruction (of the earth's surface) by flowing waters and ice. Glacial erosion. BAS 1. 2. In engineering, the destruction of a metal surface by mechanical influences (impact, friction, etc.) ... Historical dictionary gallicisms of the Russian language
- (from the Latin erosio corrosive) (medical), a superficial defect of the skin or mucous membrane, localized within the epidermis (epithelium) and healing without scarring. Erosion of the cervix is one of the forms of precancer ... Modern Encyclopedia
The process of destruction of a mountain settlement by a water flow, which, together with gravitational movements (displacements), leads to the formation of valleys and a decrease in the surface of the catchment basins. (see Pool). The process of E. consists of: 1) ... ... Geological Encyclopedia
Deflation, destruction, damage, denudation Dictionary of Russian synonyms. erosion noun, number of synonyms: 10 hydroerosion (1) … Synonym dictionary
- (erosion) See: soil erosion. Economy. Dictionary. Moscow: INFRA M, Ves Mir Publishing House. J. Black. General editorial staff: Doctor of Economics Osadchaya I.M.. 2000 ... Economic dictionary
erosion- In geology, a set of physical and chemical processes that contribute to the destruction of rocks by water flows. [Terminological dictionary for construction in 12 languages (VNIIIS Gosstroy of the USSR)] erosion The process of destruction of rocks by water ... ... Technical Translator's Handbook
- (from Latin erosio corroding) (in geology) the process of destruction of rocks and soils by a water channel. Distinguish between surface (smoothing of relief irregularities), linear (dissection of the relief), lateral (washing away of river banks) and deep (cutting the channel ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
Books
- Uterine fibroids, endometriosis and cervical erosion: treatment with natural remedies, Pavlova Tatyana Vladimirovna. This book is about an independent and very real cure for the three most common diseases of women. The importance of this topic lies in the fact that only a healthy person can give birth to a healthy person ...
- Uterine fibroids, endometriosis and cervical erosion. Treatment with natural remedies, Tatyana Pavlova. This book is about an independent and very real cure for the three most common diseases of women. The importance of this topic lies in the fact that only a healthy person can give birth to a healthy person ...
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