Weathering and Erosion

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What is weathering?

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

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What is erosion?

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The movement of weathered rock and soil from one location to another, often by wind, water, or ice.

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What causes creep in erosion?

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Creep is caused by gravity, leading to the slow movement of soil and rock downhill.

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What is chemical weathering?

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The process in which the chemical composition of rocks is altered by natural acids, oxygen, or other chemical agents.

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What is physical weathering?

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The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, often through processes like freezing and thawing.

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What is a U-shaped valley?

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A valley formed by the erosion of glaciers, characterized by its wide, rounded shape.

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What is a mudflow?

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A rapid movement of water-saturated soil and debris down a slope, often triggered by heavy rain or melting snow.

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What is a rock slide?

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A sudden and fast movement of rock down a slope, often caused by gravity and weathering.

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What is slump in erosion?

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A type of mass movement where a section of soil or rock moves down a slope in a rotational manner.

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What is the role of ice in erosion?

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Ice, particularly in the form of glaciers, can erode land by scraping and carrying away rock and sediment.