Types of Erosion

Table of Contents

Images of mud next to a road, dirt with cracks, a deepening channel of erosion flowing downhill, and a larger channel of flood water.
Erosion types that impact roadsides include splash, sheet, rill, and channel (pictured L to R). 

The following types of soil erosion are of greatest concern for roadside managers.

Occurring on Slopes

Splash Erosion

Raindrops dislodge exposed soil particles, causing erosion. These particles settle in soil pores and, when dry, form a crust, reducing infiltration during subsequent rains.

Sheet Erosion

This type of erosion occurs in heavier rains on uniformly smooth soil surfaces. The raindrops carry soil particles away in a shallow sheet of water.  

Rill Erosion 

Slight differences in soil surface elevation cause runoff to concentrate and form a pattern of cuts or rills. This type of erosion is more likely to occur than sheet erosion since slopes are rarely uniformly smooth.

Occurring in Concentrated Flow Areas

Channel Erosion 

This type of erosion is due to the force of flowing water. Many, if not all, roadsides are conduits for this kind of concentrated stress on the soil.