Weathering Basics
This type of weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing what they are made of.
Mechanical Weathering
The process of moving weathered material from one place to another is called—
Erosion
The process of dropping sediments after erosion is called—
Deposition
Which famous landform in Arizona was shaped by water erosion?
Grand Canyon
Heavy rain causes rocks to break apart.
This is an interaction between which two spheres?
The atmosphere and Geosphere
Acid rain dissolving limestone is an example of this type of weathering.
Chemical Weathering
The Grand Canyon was carved mainly by which agent of erosion?
Colorado River
When a river slows down at its mouth, it drops sediments in a fan-shaped area called a—
Delta
Wind erosion in Arizona is most noticeable in which type of environment?
The desert
Erosion of farmland soil makes it harder for crops to grow. This shows the interaction between...
Geosphere and Biosphere
A student places a rock in a freezer full of water. The water freezes and expands, cracking the rock. Which process is this?
Mechanical Weathering (Ice Wedging)
Strong winds pick up sand grains and blast them against a rock, slowly shaping it. Which type of erosion is happening?
A river carries small rocks and sand. As it slows down, what happens to the sediment?
It becomes part of the coast.
The Petrified Forest was preserved by which process first before weathering and erosion?
Deposition (burial in sediment)
A landslide destroys homes after a wildfire removes plants. Which sphere interactions are shown?
Biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere
Which factor speeds up chemical weathering the most?
A. Cold and dry climates
B. Hot and wet climates
C. Cold and wet climates
D. Hot and dry climates
B. Hot and wet climates?
Which agent of erosion forms U-shaped valleys?
A. Rivers
B. Glaciers
C. Wind
D. Waves
Glaciers
Sandbars and barrier islands are created by deposition from which agent?
Waves (ocean water)
You see hoodoos and arches in Sedona, AZ. Which processes created these?
Weathering and erosion
Which is the correct sequence of events?
A. Deposition → Weathering → Erosion
B. Weathering → Erosion → Deposition
C. Erosion → Deposition → Weathering
D. Weathering → Deposition → Erosion
B. Weathering → Erosion → Deposition?
Two rocks are left outside for 50 years. Rock A in Arizona shows little change, while Rock B in Florida is heavily weathered. What explains the difference?
Florida’s hot, wet climate increases chemical weathering.
A satellite photo shows soil moving downhill after heavy rain. Which agent of erosion is shown?
Gravity
Students notice a river entering a lake. Over time, sediment builds up where the river meets the lake. Which Earth process is shown?
Deposition
Students measure the movement of sand dunes near Yuma, AZ, over 10 years. Which agent of erosion is responsible?
Wind
A river floods farmland, deposits new soil, and increases crop growth. Which best explains this?
Deposition adds nutrients to soil, improving the biosphere.