Why are erosion rates higher at construction sites than in undisturbed lands?

Erosion rates are higher at construction sites primarily due to ground disruption from construction activities. When land is cleared for construction, the natural vegetation that stabilizes soil is often removed, leaving the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. Additionally, construction activities such as grading, excavation, and movement of heavy machinery disturb the soil structure, making it more susceptible to being washed or blown away by water and wind.

This disruption significantly increases the likelihood of soil erosion compared to undisturbed lands, where vegetation not only helps to anchor the soil but also absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. While factors like soil compaction do occur in construction areas, they typically do not contribute to higher erosion rates in the same way that ground disruption does. Furthermore, vegetation cover generally decreases in construction areas, as opposed to increasing, which also leads to enhanced erosion rates. Reduced rainfall does not contribute to higher erosion rates; rather, it would have the opposite effect in decreasing soil saturation and potential runoff.