Erosion Interactive Simulation

Erosion is the process by which water, wind, or ice moves weathered rock and soil particles (sediment) from one place to another. The erosion rate depends on two key factors: how fast the water is flowing (discharge) and how steep the slope is. On steeper hillsides, gravity pulls water faster, increasing its energy and sediment-carrying capacity. Students can change water flow and slope and compare what happens. Use it for earth science inquiry with Grades 3–5, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS 4-ESS2-1

• How increasing water flow makes the sediment particles move faster
• Why a steeper slope produces faster erosion even at the same flow rate
• How the combination of flow and slope multiplies the erosion effect
• Where eroded sediment ends up (deposition in flat areas, river deltas, beaches)
• Why hillside vegetation slows erosion by reducing flow and anchoring soil

1. 1Predict how changing water flow will affect the erosion rate, then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the interactive visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask