reerosion

Rerosion refers to the process where previously eroded material is eroded again. This occurs when geological or environmental conditions change, reactivating erosion on landforms that have already undergone significant weathering and material transport. For instance, a river that has incised a valley might experience increased flow or sediment load, leading to further erosion of its banks and bed. Similarly, coastal areas that have been reshaped by wave action can be re-eroded if sea levels rise or storm intensity increases.

The concept is important in understanding long-term landscape evolution and the dynamics of sediment transport. It highlights that erosion is not a singular event but a continuous or episodic process that can affect the same areas multiple times throughout geological history. Factors such as changes in climate, tectonic activity, and human land use can all trigger reerosion. For example, deforestation can destabilize slopes, leading to renewed mass wasting and erosion of soil that had previously stabilized. Understanding reerosion is crucial for disciplines like geomorphology, sedimentology, and environmental management, particularly when assessing the stability of landforms and the potential for natural hazards.