Weathering, Erosion, Deposition

How do plants most commonly break large rocks into smaller pieces?

• Seeds from plants fall onto rocks and release acidic compounds.

• Plant roots grow into cracks in rocks.

• Stems of plants surround and squeeze rocks.

• Plant protects surrounding rocks from extreme temperatures.

Hillsides are sometimes terraced to grow plants. What is the purpose of using terraces?

• to keep roots from spreading

• to increase wind erosion

• to retain soil and water

• to provide protection from animals

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following statements does NOT illustrate the effects of human activity in creating erosion problems?

• Building roads can increase erosion due to the change in drainage patterns.

• Terracing along a mountainside can lead to erosion

• Building on steep slopes can lead to landslides.

• soil can be washed away from new construction sites due to clearing trees and brush

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Which of the following causes of the Dust Bowl were due to HUMAN IMPACT?

1. Over-tilling the land
2. Severe heat and drought for almost a decade
3. Overgrazing of farm animals
4. High winds in the area

• All answer options

• 1 and 3

• 1, 2, and 3

• 1 and 2

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Which soil conservation practice aims to keep nutrients in the soil?

• no-tilling farming

• crop rotation

• contour plowing on hillsides

• terracing hillside farms

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The rate of soil erosion will be higher in a field of crops planted in rows than in a field covered with grass because

• grass grows lower to the ground than most crops

• more soil is exposed to wind and water

• most crops grow lower to the ground than grass

• less soil is exposed to wind and water

Which of the following soil types would contain the most nutrients?

• soil that has many large rock particles

• soil that allows water to drain very quickly through it

• soil with a lot of decomposed organic material

• soil with a bedrock that is very close to the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The layer in the soil profile that has the most humus is

• 2

• 4

• 1

• 3

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which statement best describes soil formation?

• it occurs primarily through leaching

• the "parent rock" helps determine what type of soil forms

• It is a completely inorganic process (not from living matter)

• it occurs more quickly in dry climates

A scientist is studying geologic formations in deserts. During the study, the scientist draws a diagram of a canyon that has a unique shape.

Which of these BEST explains why the canyon has a unique shape?

• The layers of the canyon are composed of different rocks and erode at different rates

• The canyon is located in an area next to a river; the bottom layers experience more erosion than the upper layers

• All layers of the canyon erode at the same time

• The canyon is located in an area that receives heavy rainfall; erosion occurs more quickly due to the constant exposure of water

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2