The Truth About What Causes Erosion In Lakes

While lakes of all sizes can experience a multitude of problems, erosion is often one of the most common and most serious. Even on the calmest of days when water is gently hitting against the shore, erosion is taking place. As erosion continues, the result is a wearing down of the underlying soil, ultimately resulting in the displacement of soil. In some instances, entire banks of soil can slide into the water, which will then present a whole new set of challenges. As to the specific causes of erosion in lakes, here is the truth about what is behind this problem.

Climate Change
As many areas in Florida have started to experience stronger storms that occur more frequently than in years past, experts believe climate change is one of the leading causes of lake erosion. When these storms occur, they disrupt the natural distribution of sediment in lakes, which can result in increased erosion that often requires professional intervention from erosion control companies in Florida such as Crosscreek Environmental Inc. and its team of experts.

Human Activity
From construction and logging activities to simpler tasks such as gardening, human activity is often a leading cause of erosion in lakes across Florida. Since all of these activities disturb topsoil, human-caused erosion can lead to excessive stormwater runoff. In addition, clear-cutting of natural vegetation destroys wildlife habitats, which in turn eliminates the protection given to shorelines by the root structures of plants and shrubs.

Vegetation and Tree Loss
When vegetation and tree loss occur, lake erosion on a much bigger scale is almost a certainty. Along with the root system that binds the soil together, plant cover will also act as a canopy that protects soil from the impact of rain. As a result, water will be absorbed into the soil much more gradually, lessening the chances of erosion. Should you be facing an erosion problem that is caused primarily by tree or vegetation loss, innovative solutions can be found by speaking to erosion control companies in Florida such as Crosscreek Environmental Inc. and its team of experienced lake management professionals.

Land Topography
If you have a lake that is located in an area where the surrounding land is especially steep, this can also play an impactful role in lake erosion. Generally, as the slope length near a lake increases, this results in a greater accumulation of runoff water and subsequently increased erosion.

Tectonic Activity
Though this usually occurs over long periods of time, tectonic activity is also a cause of lake erosion. Since uplifts of the soil can essentially mold the shape of the surrounding landscape, it can be a contributing factor to lake erosion.


If you are experiencing lake erosion, don't assume it is a problem that will clear up on its own. In fact, it will likely only get worse over time. To take charge of the situation and ensure state-of-the-art solutions are implemented, contact Crosscreek Environmental Inc. for an evaluation and price quote. To do so, call 941-479-7811.