Weathering & Erosion

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What is weathering?

Back

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

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What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process of moving sediment and soil from one location to another, often caused by water, wind, or ice.

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What is deposition?

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Deposition is the process where sediment is laid down or accumulated in a new location, often at the mouth of a river or in a delta.

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the breaking down of rocks without changing their chemical composition, often caused by temperature changes, ice, or plant roots.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often due to reactions with water, acids, or gases.

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How do plant roots contribute to weathering?

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Plant roots can grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure and causing the rocks to split apart, which is a form of physical weathering.

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What role does water play in erosion?

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Water can carry sediment away from one place to another, such as rivers transporting soil and rocks downstream.

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What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion moves those pieces from one location to another.

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What is an example of sediment deposition?

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Sediment piling up at the mouth of a river is an example of deposition, where materials are dropped off as the water slows down.

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What is the impact of waves on beaches?

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Waves can erode beaches by carrying sand away, which is an example of erosion.