.erosion-calc-container {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 8px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
color: #333;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
}
.erosion-calc-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 0;
text-align: center;
border-bottom: 2px solid #27ae60;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.erosion-calc-form {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
margin-top: 20px;
}
.erosion-calc-group {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.erosion-calc-group label {
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 14px;
}
.erosion-calc-group input, .erosion-calc-group select {
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
}
.erosion-calc-full {
grid-column: span 2;
}
.erosion-calc-button {
background-color: #27ae60;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
transition: background-color 0.3s;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.erosion-calc-button:hover {
background-color: #219150;
}
.erosion-calc-result {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e8f5e9;
border-radius: 4px;
border-left: 5px solid #27ae60;
display: none;
}
.erosion-calc-result h3 {
margin: 0 0 10px 0;
color: #2e7d32;
}
.erosion-calc-result p {
margin: 5px 0;
font-size: 18px;
}
.erosion-article {
margin-top: 40px;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.erosion-article h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 8px;
}
.erosion-article p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.erosion-article ul {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.erosion-example {
background-color: #fffde7;
padding: 15px;
border-left: 4px solid #fbc02d;
margin: 20px 0;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.erosion-calc-form {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
.erosion-calc-full {
grid-column: span 1;
}
}
Erosion Rate Calculator
Understanding Erosion Rates: Methods and Calculations
Erosion is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water. Calculating the erosion rate is critical for environmental scientists, civil engineers, and geologists to predict landscape changes, assess soil health, and plan coastal defenses.
How to Calculate Erosion Rate
The standard way to calculate erosion rate is to measure the change in a specific dimension (thickness, elevation, or mass) over a defined period of time. The most common formula used in field studies is the linear erosion rate formula:
Formula:
Erosion Rate = (Initial Measurement – Final Measurement) / Time
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Step 1: Record the initial measurement of the surface or object (e.g., the height of a soil marker or the thickness of a rock layer).
- Step 2: After a specific duration, record the final measurement at the exact same location.
- Step 3: Subtract the final measurement from the initial measurement to find the total material lost.
- Step 4: Divide the total lost by the number of years (or months) that passed between measurements.
Real-World Examples
Coastal Erosion Example:
If a cliff edge was 100 meters from a landmark in 2010 and 95 meters from the same landmark in 2020, the calculation would be:
(100m – 95m) / 10 years = 0.5 meters per year.
Soil Surface Loss:
A metal stake driven into a field shows 20mm of stake exposed in year one. In year five, 35mm of the stake is exposed. This means 15mm of soil has eroded away.
15mm / 4 years = 3.75 mm/year.
Factors Affecting Erosion Rates
Several variables can accelerate or decelerate the rate of erosion in a given area:
- Vegetation Cover: Roots bind soil together, significantly reducing erosion.
- Slope Gradient: Steeper slopes lead to faster water runoff and higher erosion potential.
- Soil Composition: Sandy soils erode faster than clay-heavy soils.
- Climate: Areas with high-intensity rainfall or frequent freeze-thaw cycles experience higher rates.
function calculateErosion() {
var initial = parseFloat(document.getElementById('initialMeasurement').value);
var final = parseFloat(document.getElementById('finalMeasurement').value);
var time = parseFloat(document.getElementById('timePeriod').value);
var unit = document.getElementById('unitType').value;
var resultArea = document.getElementById('resultArea');
if (isNaN(initial) || isNaN(final) || isNaN(time)) {
alert("Please enter valid numerical values for all fields.");
return;
}
if (time <= 0) {
alert("Time period must be greater than zero.");
return;
}
var totalLoss = initial – final;
var rate = totalLoss / time;
var percent = (totalLoss / initial) * 100;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('totalErosion').innerHTML = "
Total Erosion: " + totalLoss.toFixed(3) + " " + unit;
document.getElementById('annualRate').innerHTML = "
Annual Erosion Rate: " + rate.toFixed(4) + " " + unit + " per year";
document.getElementById('percentageLoss').innerHTML = "
Total Mass/Volume Lost: " + percent.toFixed(2) + "%";
// Adjust title based on erosion vs deposition
if (totalLoss < 0) {
document.getElementById('resultTitle').innerText = "Deposition Summary (Accretion)";
document.getElementById('totalErosion').innerHTML = "
Total Gained: " + Math.abs(totalLoss).toFixed(3) + " " + unit;
document.getElementById('annualRate').innerHTML = "
Annual Growth Rate: " + Math.abs(rate).toFixed(4) + " " + unit + " per year";
} else {
document.getElementById('resultTitle').innerText = "Erosion Summary";
}
resultArea.style.display = "block";
resultArea.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}