W.E.D., Sedimentary Rocks, Fossils, & Fossil Fuels REVIEW

Imagine you're on a grand adventure with Mr. Quezada, exploring the wonders of the Earth. Suddenly, you notice something fascinating happening around you. _____ is when pieces of the Earth are deposited somewhere else, creating new landscapes for you to discover!

Aubrey & Alan are on a nature adventure! They come across a riverbank where the soil seems to be wearing away. What type of change is this?

• erosion

• weathering

• deposition

• hurricane

Answer explanation

Erosion is the process where soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by wind or water. This distinguishes it from weathering, which is the breakdown of materials without movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Most weathering is a​ (a)   process that happens over thousands or millions of years.

• slow

• fast

Answer explanation

Most weathering occurs slowly over thousands or millions of years due to natural processes like wind, water, and temperature changes, making 'slow' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Over long periods of time, ​ (a)   can wear away rock and carry tiny pieces of rock to new places.

• wind
• animals

• food

Answer explanation

Wind is a natural force that can erode rock over time and transport small rock particles to different locations. This process is known as erosion, making 'wind' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Identify where erosion and deposition take place.

a

b

erosion

deposition

Tags

NGSS.4-ESS2-1

A _____ is an enormous mass of ice moving over land, causing weathering of rock and soil.

Answer explanation

A glacier is a large mass of ice that moves over land, shaping the landscape through processes like weathering, erosion, and deposition of rock and soil.

Tags

NGSS.4-ESS2-1

Match the following landforms to the changes that created them.

• water erosion & deposition

• 
• water erosion

• 
• glacial movement (weathering & erosion)

• 
• weathering & erosion

• 
• wind erosion

• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Ariana and Keira are exploring a rocky landscape and notice an interesting natural process that weathers rock.
 Which statement best explains why this process results in weathering?

• frozen water acts as a solute

• water expands when it freezes

• the mass of water increases when it freezes

• frozen water dissolves most types of rock

Answer explanation

Water expands when it freezes, creating pressure in rock crevices. This expansion can cause the rock to crack and break apart, leading to weathering. Other options do not accurately describe the weathering process.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Identify the area where erosion has occurred the most by clicking on the correct part of the image.

Answer explanation

The narrow base of the mushroom rock, since it has been eroded more than the upper portion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

During an exciting fossil investigation lab, students like Delilah, Jake, & Christopher were given several rock samples—some with fascinating seashell fossils, while others had no visible fossils at all. One adventurous group claimed all the fossils came from a desert environment.

What might be a bit off about the group's conclusion? Use clues from the lab and your knowledge about sedimentary rocks and fossils to explain your answer.

Answer explanation

The group's conclusion is incorrect because seashell fossils indicate a marine environment, not a desert. Fossils form in sedimentary rocks, typically in water, contradicting the claim of a desert origin.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1