Mystery Science: Weathering & Erosion

Will mountains last forever?

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

How does solid rock break into smaller pieces?

• Over time, exposure to the sun breaks rocks apart.

• Plants and ice break rocks into smaller pieces

• Only earthquakes can break rocks.

• Only lightning strikes cause rocks to break.

Answer explanation

Seeds and water can enter cracks in the rock. As the roots grow and the water freezes, the crack gets wider and the rock breaks. Also, as rocks tumble down the mountain, the sharp edges can break off.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

How are rocks at the top of the mountain different than the ones at the bottom?

• Rocks at the top of a mountain are lighter than the ones at the bottom.

• Rocks at the top of a mountain are shinier than the ones at the bottom.

• Rocks at the top of a mountain are more colorful than the ones at the bottom.

• Rocks at the top of a mountain are sharper than the ones at the bottom.

Answer explanation

Rocks at the bottom of the mountain are smoother because as they tumble the sharp corners break off.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Mountains are made up of a mound of individual rocks piled up really high.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Mountains are one single solid rock. They're like walls of vertical rock going straight up into the sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What caused the Mayan pyramids to be hidden in plain sight?

• Through a process called root wedging, trees and other plants grew in the stone cracks covering the pyramid from view.

• The Mayans used a special type of camouflage to hide the pyramids.

• The pyramids were hidden in a low valley.

Answer explanation

Root Wedging is the process in which roots grow into the cracks in rocks and force the cracks open as they continue to grow. As the roots grow they secrete organic acids, further eroding the rock and giving more space for the roots to grow into.