<P> In some areas of the world (e.g. the mid-western USA), rainfall intensity is the primary determinant of erosivity (for a definition of erosivity check,) with higher intensity rainfall generally resulting in more soil erosion by water . The size and velocity of rain drops is also an important factor . Larger and higher - velocity rain drops have greater kinetic energy, and thus their impact will displace soil particles by larger distances than smaller, slower - moving rain drops . </P> <P> In other regions of the world (e.g. western Europe), runoff and erosion result from relatively low intensities of stratiform rainfall falling onto previously saturated soil . In such situations, rainfall amount rather than intensity is the main factor determining the severity of soil erosion by water . </P> <P> In Taiwan, where typhoon frequency increased significantly in the 21st century, a strong link has been drawn between the increase in storm frequency with an increase in sediment load in rivers and reservoirs, highlighting the impacts climate change can have on erosion . </P> <P> Vegetation acts as an interface between the atmosphere and the soil . It increases the permeability of the soil to rainwater, thus decreasing runoff . It shelters the soil from winds, which results in decreased wind erosion, as well as advantageous changes in microclimate . The roots of the plants bind the soil together, and interweave with other roots, forming a more solid mass that is less susceptible to both water and wind erosion . The removal of vegetation increases the rate of surface erosion . </P>

Erosion is a physical process that is instrumental in developing