20+ Differences Between Erosion And Deposition (Explained)

Nature always has its processes going on. Erosion and Deposition are a part of one such process.

Erosion and Deposition may sound like synonyms, but actually, they are antonyms. Erosion and Deposition are the first and last steps of a single geological process.

Erosion means the wearing and tearing away of rock and soil particles from their position by wind, rainfall, flood, landslides, etc. On the other hand, Deposition means settling eroded rock and soil particles in a newer place. 

Key Differences Erosion Vs Deposition

Comparison Between Erosion And Deposition

ParameterErosionDeposition
Definition Erosion is the removal of rocks, soil, and soil particles. A deposition is the settling down of eroded rocks, soil, and soil particles. 
Step numberErosion is the first step of this geological process. A deposition is the last step of this geological process. 
TypesErosion is of 10 types. The deposition is of 3 types. 
Name of the typesWater Erosion, Sheet and Rill Erosion, Scalding, Gully Erosion, Tunnel Erosion, Stream Bank Erosion, Erosion on Flood Plains, Mass Movement, and Wind Erosion, Glacier Erosion.Continental, Transitional, and Marine.
CausesErosion is caused by rainfalls, floods, landslides, and high winds. Deposition is caused by winds, rainfalls, and gravity.

Major Differences Between Erosion And Deposition

What exactly is Erosion? 

Erosion simply means the removal of rocks, soil, and soil particles due to heavy winds, floods, rainfall, landslides, etc.

Erosion is a completely natural process that happens till the moment the rocks and soil particles are deposited at a different place. There are a total of 10 types of Erosion which are discussed below. 

Types Of Erosion

What exactly is Deposition? 

When the rocks and soil are eroded, they will settle down somewhere. If they were eroded by high wind, then the wind will stop somewhere; if they were eroded by water, water will lose its force somewhere and settle down.

This settling down of the rock, soil, and soil particles after erosion, is known as Deposition. In the absence of erosion, there is the absence of Deposition too. There are three types of Deposition which are discussed as follows:

Types Of Deposition

Major Differences Between Erosion And Deposition

Origin of The Word

  • Erosion – The word Erosion originated from the Latin word “Eeodere,” meaning “wear or gnaw away.”
  • Deposition – The word Deposition originated from the Latin word “deponere,” meaning “to put down.”

Definition

  • Erosion – Erosion is the removal of rocks, soil, and soil particles, usually by wind, water, and gravity. 
  • Deposition – Deposition is the settling down of eroded rocks, soil, and soil particles. 

Step

  • Erosion – Erosion is the first step of this geological process. 
  • Deposition – Deposition is the last step of this geological process. 

Types

  • Erosion – Erosion is of 10 types. 
  • Deposition – Deposition is of 3 types. 

Causes

  • Erosion – Erosion is caused by winds, rainfalls, glaciers, floods, landslides, etc. 
  • Deposition – Deposition is caused by water, wind, and gravity. 

Conclusion

Erosion and deposition are the two opposite aspects of a natural geological process. The only difference between these terms is that the first one causes the removal of rocks and soil from their positions, and the latter causes the settling of the eroded rocks and soil.

In the absence of Erosion, deposition can not take place. Both Erosion and Deposition go hand in hand. Erosion has ten types; on the other hand, Deposition has three types. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How is Land degradation different from Soil Erosion?

Land Degradation refers to the loss of the productivity and fertility of the land due to a number of reasons.

Out of those reasons, one reason is Soil Erosion. Inland degradation, the land is degraded, meaning it has lost its value.

In Soil Erosion, soil particles are removed from one place to another, generally by water or wind. 

Q2. What are the types of Deposition?

There are three types of deposition: Continental Deposition, Transitional Deposition, and Marine Deposition.

Q3. What is the major difference between Erosion and Deposition?

The major difference between Erosion and Deposition is that the former causes the removal of soil and soil particles, whereas the latter causes the depositing of soil and soil particles. 


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