Weathering and Erosion

Front

What is weathering?

Back

The process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by natural forces such as wind, water, and temperature changes.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice and transported to another location.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

The process in which sediments, soil, and rocks are dropped off and added to a landform or land mass.

Front

What is a glacier?

Back

A large mass of slow-moving ice that can cause weathering and erosion of the land beneath it.

Front

How do rounded rocks in a river form?

Back

They are formed through weathering, where rocks are broken down and smoothed by the action of water.

Front

What role do rivers play in erosion?

Back

Rivers erode the land by carrying away soil and rocks as they flow.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering breaks down rocks in place, while erosion involves the movement of those broken pieces to new locations.

Front

What is an example of mechanical weathering?

Back

Frost wedging, where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Front

What is an example of chemical weathering?

Back

The reaction of acid rain with limestone, which dissolves the rock over time.

Front

What is soil?

Back

A mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life.