Overall
What is the difference between weathering, erosion, and deposition?
Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, erosion is the movement of that material, and deposition is the settling (drop off) of that material in a new location.
How can a plant cause weathering?
A plant can grow roots into a crack in a rock. As the roots grow, the crack widens and the rock breaks.
In what ways can water be responsible for erosion?
Water can carry weathered material as it flows over time. Also, waves can carry away material from coastal formations.
How can deposition change a landscape or river?
When sand settles, it can cause sand dunes (or cause the migration of a dune). As material is eroded in a river and settles somewhere else, it can cause the river to change shape. Barrier islands can change over time as material is eroded from one side and settled on the opposite.
Explain freeze-thaw weathering. How does it work?
Freeze-thaw weathering is when water gets into cracks of rocks and freezes. The ice expands then melts, and it happens again and again until the rock breaks.
How can a glacier cause erosion?
As the large sheet of ice moves across the land, it carries rocks and other materials with it that have been weathered.
What is the definition of deposition?
The dropping off of sediments in a new palce
What are some other examples of weathering? (besides plants and freeze-thaw)
Water can cause weathering by picking up rocks and “tumbling” them as they move down stream, or even dissolving softer rock by making acid. Wind can blow particles against rocks, and this abrasion can break off rock. (like sand blasting)
How does a sand storm or dust storm form?
When wind erodes a large amount of sand or dust over a distance, it can cause a sand storm or dust storm. It is almost like a cloud of sand/dust that moves across the land.
What is an example of deposition?
answers may vary (can include layers of sediment forming at the bottom of the ocean)