Earth Science: Impacts that Affect Earth’s Surface

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through various physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms.

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NGSS.4-ESS2-1

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What are the two main forms of weathering?

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Physical (Mechanical) Weathering and Chemical Weathering.

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NGSS.4-ESS2-1

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What is physical (mechanical) weathering?

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It involves the breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition, such as through temperature changes, pressure release, and plant root growth.

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NGSS.4-ESS2-1

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals within rocks, such as when carbon dioxide combines with rainwater to form carbonic acid that dissolves minerals like limestone.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion occurs when natural elements like water and wind wear away rocks and soil over time.

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NGSS.4-ESS2-1

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What is deposition?

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Deposition is the process where materials moved by erosion settle down in a new location.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that float on a soft layer beneath them.

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NGSS.5-ESS2-1

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How do earthquakes occur?

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Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates bump into each other or slide past each other, get stuck, and then release energy when they move apart.

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NGSS.5-ESS2-1

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How are mountains formed?

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Mountains are formed when tectonic plates push against each other, causing the land to be pushed up.

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NGSS.5-ESS2-1

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How are islands formed?

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Some islands are formed by underwater volcanoes when tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new land.