Weathering and Erosion

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through natural forces such as wind, water, and temperature changes.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which water, ice, wind, or gravity moves fragments of rock and soil from one place to another.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

Deposition is the process where sediments, soil, and rocks are dropped in new places after being transported by erosion.

Front

True or False: Weathering and erosion are the same thing.

Back

False

Front

What causes weathering?

Back

Weathering can be caused by natural elements like water, ice, temperature changes, and biological activity.

Front

What are the two main types of weathering?

Back

The two main types of weathering are mechanical weathering (physical breakdown) and chemical weathering (changes in mineral composition).

Front

Give an example of mechanical weathering.

Back

An example of mechanical weathering is when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to break apart.

Front

What role does gravity play in erosion?

Back

Gravity pulls rocks and soil down slopes, contributing to erosion by moving materials downhill.

Front

How do rivers contribute to erosion?

Back

Rivers erode the land by carrying away soil and rock particles as they flow, shaping the landscape over time.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

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