Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition

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What are destructive forces in geology?

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Destructive forces are natural processes that break down and remove rocks and soil, such as weathering, erosion, and earthquakes.

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What is mechanical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, often caused by physical forces like water, ice, and temperature changes.

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What is chemical weathering?

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

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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.

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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 occurring at the mouth of rivers or in lakes.

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What is a delta?

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A delta is a landform created by the deposition of sediment at the mouth of a river, where it meets a body of water, typically forming a triangular shape.

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What role does gravity play in erosion?

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Gravity causes materials to move downhill, contributing to erosion through processes like landslides and mudslides.

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How does running water contribute to the formation of canyons?

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Running water erodes rock layers over time, cutting down into the earth and forming features like canyons, as seen with the Grand Canyon.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks in place, while erosion involves the movement of those broken materials from one location to another.

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What are the two main types of weathering?

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The two main types of weathering are mechanical (physical) weathering and chemical weathering.