The difference between these two phenomena
In a simple way, we can say that corrosion consists in the destruction of material thanks to a chemical reaction, i.e., oxidation. For example, when iron corrodes in a steel alloy, ferric oxide is created and it "eats the metal."
Erosion, on the other hand, refers to the displacement of a surface layer on the ground.
What is erosion?
It is a natural mechanism that affects and transforms the structure of rocks and soil through the movement of erosion agents. The principle is simple, when erosion occurs, particles of rock or soil are detached and moved from their original locations.
Erosion is a mechanism that can take place over millions of years or quickly, depending on the type of soil and the eroding agent. Erosion agents can be water, ice, wind, gravity or temperature changes.
Water erosion is usually caused by the impact of raindrops as they hit the ground. The force of the impact breaks up the aggregates and moves the particles that form the soil. Runoff can also be the source of soil erosion since water has the quality of a universal solvent.
As mentioned above, erosion can occur abruptly in some cases. One can think of a landslide caused by heavy rainfall.
What is corrosion?
Corrosion is the deterioration of metals when they react with their environment. Being an electrochemical process, corrosion tends to change the characteristics of metals, such as their hardness, appearance, and strength.
For corrosion to occur, certain elements must be present. All these elements are called the corrosion cell. In the corrosion cell, we find the anode, the cathode, electrolytes, and a metallic road.
Similar to erosion, corrosion is affected by certain factors that are subject to change. The presence or absence of different factors will have an impact on the rate at which erosion occurs. These factors include materials, temperature, chemical salts, moisture, or pollutants and gases.