Weathering
What is weathering?
The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces
What is erosion?
The movement of sediment from one place to another
What is deposition?
The dropping or settling of sediment in a new location
What is a sudden shaking of the Earth's surface called?
Earthquake
True or False: Deposition happens after erosion.
True
Name one example of physical weathering
Ice wedging, abrasion, or plant roots breaking rocks
Name one agent of erosion.
Water, wind, ice, or gravity
What landform is created by deposition at the mouth of a river?
Delta
What comes out of a volcano during an eruption?
Lava, ash, and gases
What are the two main components of soil?
Weathered rock and organic material from plants and animals.
What is chemical weathering?
The breaking down of rocks through chemical changes, like acid rain or oxidation
How do rivers contribute to erosion?
They carry sediments and carve out valleys or canyons.
Why does deposition happen when water slows down?
Slower-moving water cannot carry as much sediment, so it drops it.
What is a landslide?
The rapid movement of soil, rock, and debris down a slope
Name one slow and one rapid change to Earth's surface.
Slow: Erosion or weathering; Rapid: Earthquake or volcanic eruption.
How does water contribute to weathering?
Water can freeze and expand in cracks, breaking rocks apart
What type of erosion creates U-shaped valleys?
Glacial erosion
What is a sand dune, and how is it formed?
A mound of sand formed by wind depositing sand particles
What causes a volcanic eruption?
Pressure from magma and gases building up beneath the Earth's surface.
How do glaciers cause both erosion and deposition?
Glaciers erode the land as they move and deposit sediments when they melt
Explain the difference between physical weathering and chemical weathering
Physical weathering breaks rocks without changing their chemical composition, while chemical weathering changes the chemical structure of the rock.
Why does erosion occur more quickly after deforestation?
Without tree roots to hold the soil in place, it is more easily carried away by water or wind.
Name three examples of landforms created by deposition
Deltas, sandbars, and sand dunes
How can rapid changes like earthquakes affect people and communities?
They can cause destruction of buildings, loss of life, and displacement of people.
What process turns plant and animal remains into soil?
Decomposition