Weathering & Erosion

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process of moving sediment and soil from one location to another, often caused by wind, water, or ice.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often due to reactions with water, acids, or gases.

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is an example of chemical weathering?

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Limestone rocks dissolving in water is an example of chemical weathering.

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What is an example of physical weathering?

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Frost wedging, where water freezes in cracks of rocks and expands, is an example of physical weathering.

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How do weathering and erosion differ?

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Weathering breaks down rocks, while erosion moves the broken pieces away from their original location.

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What role does acid rain play in weathering?

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Acid rain can cause chemical weathering by reacting with minerals in rocks and dissolving them.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that are transported by wind, water, or ice.

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What is deposition?

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Deposition is the process where sediment settles and accumulates in a new location after being transported.