Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What are the key physical factors that affect erosion?

1. Climate, vegetation, topography, and water flow

2. Climate, vegetative cover, soils, and slope

3. Rainfall, wind speed, soil type, and temperature

4. Weather patterns, vegetation, erosion rate, and sediment transfer

The correct answer is: Climate, vegetative cover, soils, and slope

The selection emphasizes the key physical factors affecting erosion, which are climate, vegetative cover, soils, and slope. Climate plays a significant role because it influences the amount and intensity of precipitation, temperature patterns, and seasonal changes that can lead to erosion. For example, heavy rainfall can increase surface runoff, which leads to soil erosion. Vegetative cover is crucial as plants help to anchor the soil with their root systems. Areas with dense vegetation tend to experience less erosion compared to bare or sparsely vegetated areas, as plants absorb rainfall and reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil surface. Soils are important because different soil types have varying cohesiveness, compaction, and susceptibility to erosion. Sandy soils, for instance, are more prone to erosion than clay soils, which are more stable. Slope directly affects erosion as well; steeper slopes generally increase the speed of water flow, which in turn elevates the potential for erosion. The gradient of a slope influences how quickly water moves across the surface, carrying soil with it. Thus, these factors collectively contribute to the processes of erosion, making the choice a comprehensive and accurate representation of the physical aspects involved in erosion dynamics.