Erodibility refers to the ease with which a particular soil can
become detached and transported by wind, water, or ice. Erosivity
is a description of the ability of typical natural forces (wind or
rain) in a geographic area to erode existing soil. These
characteristics interact, and the combined effect can be
significant. Assigning values to erodibility and erosivity is
helpful in predicting potential erosion and soil loss from any
parcel of land. When the soil is easily detached and transported
(erodibility is high), significant soil loss can occur even in
relatively mild rain or wind events. When the climate is
particularly rainy or windy (erosivity is high), even well
consolidated soils can be eroded. when both are high, extreme
measures will be needed.
