Splash erosion is caused by the energy of raindrops and it causes the detachment of soil particles from the ground and the consolidation of top soil. The visible forms of splash erosion are seen only where stones and tree roots selectively protect the underlying soil and splash pedestals or soil pillars are formed. Such forms normally indicate the severity of erosion. Sheet erosion is defined as a combination of splash erosion and overland flow. Rill erosion is a form of water-erosion where shallow overland flow becomes channelled.
Channels induced by rill erosion vary both in their depth and length.
Areas affected by gully erosion are normally interpreted as an area of severe erosion where the whole topsoil can be removed. Riverbank erosion is connected to the natural changes in the course of the rivers where cutting of the river banks is during the high runoff in rainy seasons. Protective vegetation is the main factor reducing the soil-loss in these occasions. Land use and erosion are strongly correlated. The mismanagement of land resources can remarkably reduce the productivity of soils.