rain splash
Quick Summary
Splash erosion is a geological process caused by the impact of falling raindrops on soil. Large raindrops, with diameters up to 6 mm and terminal velocities of about 10 meters per second, can exert significant force upon impact. This force can lead to soil compaction and erosion.12
The impact of raindrops can form a compacted crust on the soil surface, hindering the penetration of air and water to plant roots. This also encourages surface runoff, which carries away topsoil. In sloped terrains, heavy rainfall can transform soil into mud, potentially leading to substantial erosion through mudflows.2
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