Agents of Erosion

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which natural forces move weathered rock and soil from one place to another.

Front

What are the main agents of erosion?

Back

The main agents of erosion are wind, water (rivers), waves, ice (glaciers), and gravity.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is bits of rock, sand, and silt caused by the weathering of rocks.

Front

How does wind cause erosion?

Back

Wind can blow away loose sediment and soil, transporting it to new locations.

Front

What role does water play in erosion?

Back

Water, especially in rivers, can carry away soil and rock, shaping the landscape.

Front

What is the effect of waves on coastal erosion?

Back

Waves can erode shorelines by crashing against rocks and carrying away sand.

Front

How do glaciers contribute to erosion?

Back

Glaciers can erode land by scraping and carrying away large amounts of rock and soil as they move.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces, which can then be eroded.

Front

What is the difference between erosion and weathering?

Back

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

Front

What is gravity's role in erosion?

Back

Gravity pulls rocks and soil down slopes, leading to erosion through landslides and rockfalls.