weathering and erosion

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces due to various factors like wind, water, and temperature changes.

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What is erosion?

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

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What is deposition?

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Deposition is the process where sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass, often after being transported by erosion.

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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, such as frost wedging or thermal expansion.

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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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What role does water play in weathering?

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Water can cause both physical and chemical weathering; it can freeze and expand in cracks (physical) or dissolve minerals (chemical).

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What is frost wedging?

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Frost wedging is a type of physical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

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How does wind contribute to erosion?

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Wind can carry small particles of sand and dust over long distances, eroding surfaces and shaping landscapes.

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What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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

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What is an example of biological weathering?

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Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, like plants or lichens, break down rocks by growing into cracks and producing acids.