Weathering & Erosion
What is the process that breaks down materials into smaller pieces?
The process that breaks down materials into smaller pieces is called weathering.
Which type of weathering can cause potholes and cracks in a road or sidewalk?
Physical weathering can cause potholes and cracks in a road or sidewalk.
What can grow inside a rock and over time, split the rock into pieces.
Roots can grow inside a rock and over time, split the rock into pieces.
What does chemical weathering change?
Chemical weathering changes the minerals that make up rocks.
You are walking along a beach and notice large boulders near the shore have cracks in them and are broken! You wonder what made those large boulders (rocks) break and look around to determine the cause. What caused the large boulders to break?
Strong waves (water )rushes into cracks in the large boulders. The strong energy of the waves causes the large boulders to break.
What is the speed of the weathering process? Fast or Slow?
The speed of the weathering process is slow.
Which type of weathering changes the minerals that make up rocks?
Chemical Weathering changes the minerals that make up rocks.
What happens when rocks hit each other?
When rocks hit each other, pieces of the fall off.
Rocks that contain iron can rust.
It is a very rainy day. Gravity causes rainwater to run downhill. What two things does this flowing water cause?
The flowing water causes soil and materials to wash away. Flowing water also erodes rocks/landscape.
Weathering explains how rocks can change _____ and ______.
Weathering explains how rocks can change size and shape.
What type of weathering is caused by water, living things, and oxygen?
Chemical weathering is caused by water, living things, and oxygen.
In which two ways does physical weathering cause rocks to change?
Physical weathering causes rocks to change in size and shape.
What give off a weak like acid as they grow that cause the chemical breakdown of rocks?
Plant Roots and Lichens (plant-like organisms) give off a weak like acid as they grow that cause the chemical breakdown of rocks.
When you go to the beach to collect rocks, you notice that the rocks are smooth and different shapes. Why are the rocks smooth and different shapes?
The rocks are smooth and different shapes because the strong waves pounded on the rocks, moved them around with sand, causing them to polish and wear down.
What are the two types of weathering?
The two types of weathering are physical and chemical weathering.
What type of weathering involves the action of rocks and sediments grinding against each other and wearing away surfaces?
Physical Weathering involves the action of rocks and sediments grinding against each other and wearing away surfaces.
What are some ways abrasion can happen (examples)?
Abrasion can happen when...
-rocks and sediments grind against each other
-rocks and pebbles roll along the bottom of the river.
-rocks fall and tumble against one another.
-strong/high winds blow sand against exposed rock.
What can make water more acidic and speed the breakdown and weathering of rocks?
Acids from natural sources, like volcanoes can make water more acidic and speed the breakdown and weathering of rocks
You are enjoying a summer day at the beach. You are watching the strong waves crash against the coastline. Do these waves change the rocks along the coastline? How?
Yes, the waves change the rocks along the coastline. The waves pound against the rocks, causing them to break into smaller pieces.
Are rocks' chemical properties changed due to weathering?
Rock's chemical properties are not changed due to weathering.
What type of weathering involves acids breaking down and weathering rocks?
Chemical Weathering involves acids breaking down and weathering rocks.
What is abrasion?
Abrasion is the action of rocks and sediments grinding against each other and wearing away surfaces.
What can produce rust, making rocks soft and crumbly?
Iron combines with oxygen in the presence of water to produce rust.
You are enjoying a hike near a California river. Sediments (rocks & soil) are being swept downstream by the river. The sediment is then deposited in another area downstream. Which activity could change the amount of sediment that is deposited?