Weathering and Erosion

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What is weathering?

Back

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

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What is erosion?

Back

The process by which water, ice, wind, or gravity moves fragments of rock and soil.

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What is deposition?

Back

The process by which materials are left in a new location after being transported by wind, water, or ice.

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What is mechanical weathering?

Back

The physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

Back

The process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water and gases.

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How do plants contribute to weathering?

Back

Plants weather rocks when their roots grow into cracks and expand, breaking the rock apart.

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What role does water play in weathering?

Back

Water can cause both mechanical and chemical weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles and chemical reactions.

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What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

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A chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with minerals, often producing rust in iron-containing rocks.

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What is freeze-thaw weathering?

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A mechanical weathering process where water freezes in rock cracks, expands, and eventually breaks the rock apart.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces.