The
Soil Erosion Site is primarily an information
gateway for soil erosion. It aims to bring together a wide variety
of material relating to all aspects of soil erosion. For the student
and/or those who are 'just interested' in soil erosion, there is a
background information section
which explains the basics of the erosion problem in a non-technical
manner, with links to photos and videos.
To supplement this, there are links to
more specialist material on organisations,
projects, meetings,
data, models,
etc. More is planned; however if you have
any suggestions for additions or changes to this site, please contact
us.
Who is responsible
for this website? Nearly 50 soil erosion
scientists from 16 countries have contributed, or agreed to contribute,
information to the site. Sincere thanks to all contributors!
Why?
Any researcher has to focus on specific
technical details, but the occupational risk is that, through a
narrow focus on tractable bite-sized problems, one loses the broader
perspective. That is why - in their own interests - professional
scientists should try to convey their work to non-specialists. Even
if we do it badly, the effort is salutary: it reminds us that our
efforts are worthwhile only insofar as they help to illuminate the
big picture. (From p69 of Martin Rees
(2002). Our Cosmic Habitat. Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London)
The initial idea
for the Soil Erosion Site was by Dr David Favis-Mortlock, of the the
School of Geography
at Queen's University
Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; who still administers the site.
(For more about Dave F-M, see here
and here.)
Many thanks to
Andy Whalley
for hosting this website.
Finally, thank
you for taking an interest in the global problem of soil erosion!
Dave
Favis-Mortlock, February 2005