Changes to Earth's Surface

Front

What is deposition?

Back

Deposition is the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass. It occurs when the energy of the transporting medium (like water or wind) decreases, causing the materials to settle.

Front

What causes a delta to form?

Back

A delta forms when a river meets a larger body of water, like an ocean, and slows down, dropping sediments it has carried.

Front

What are the agents of change in Earth's surface?

Back

The main agents of change are water, wind, ice (glaciers), and gravity. Each of these can cause erosion, weathering, and deposition.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water flow.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by natural forces such as water, ice, and temperature changes.

Front

What is a landslide?

Back

A landslide is the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope, often caused by heavy rains or earthquakes.

Front

How does water shape the land?

Back

Water shapes the land through erosion, transporting sediments, and deposition, creating features like valleys, deltas, and canyons.

Front

What role do glaciers play in changing the Earth's surface?

Back

Glaciers erode the land beneath them as they move, carving out valleys and shaping mountains.

Front

What is the difference between erosion and deposition?

Back

Erosion involves the removal of materials from one location, while deposition involves the accumulation of those materials in a new location.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small, solid pieces of material that come from rocks or living things, often transported by water, wind, or ice.