Soil erosion impact will displace soil particles by larger distances than smaller, slower-moving rain drops. 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. The composition, moisture, and compaction of soil are all major factors in determining the erosivity of rainfall. Sediments containing more clay tend to be more resistant to erosion than those with sand or silt, because the clay helps bind soil particles together.
Serpentine soil tolerant of extreme soil conditions, including: Physically these areas are characteristically steep, rocky, and vulnerable to erosion, which results in shallow soils. The shallow soils and sparse vegetation lead to elevated soil temperatures and dry conditions. Serpentine is a unique classification of soils as they are relatively rare, and exhibit distinct chemical properties. The soil in appearance is often reddish, brown, or gray in color. The parent material for serpentine soil is mostly derived from the rock serpentine, noted for its waxy greenish-silver to bluish-silver appearance. The rock has white streaks of mineral running through it that contain naturally occurring