Weathering and Erosion

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

Deposition is the dropping off of sediments in a new place after being transported by erosion.

Front

What causes chemical weathering?

Back

Chemical weathering is caused by chemical reactions that alter the minerals in rocks, such as acid rain reacting with limestone.

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, often due to temperature changes or pressure.

Front

How do tree roots contribute to weathering?

Back

Tree roots can cause physical weathering by growing into cracks in rocks and breaking them apart as they expand.

Front

What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering alters the minerals in the rocks.

Front

What role does water play in weathering?

Back

Water can cause both physical weathering (by freezing and thawing) and chemical weathering (by dissolving minerals).

Front

What is acid rain?

Back

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by pollutants in the atmosphere, which can lead to chemical weathering of rocks.

Front

What is an example of erosion?

Back

An example of erosion is a river carrying away soil and rocks from its banks.