Wind changes to Earth's Surface

Look at the image of sand dunes.

Which correctly describes the process of sand dune formation?

• A river carries sand from one location and deposits it on a growing hill

  downstream.

• The wind carries sand across a beach and deposits the sand on a growing hill

  away from the water.

• Ice moving across the land picks up loose sand and deposits it in a ridge or a

  mound.

• Earthquakes disrupt loose sand and shake it into place along fault lines.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Sand dunes can be found in a beach or desert ecosystem. Which of the following

BEST explains the process that forms sand dunes?

• Sand dunes are formed when the ocean weathers sand particles and deposits

  them in a new location.

• Sand dunes are formed when cacti roots erode rocks and shells and deposit

  them in a new location

• Sand dunes are formed when the wind erodes sand particles and deposits

  them in a new location.

• Sand dunes are formed when glaciers cut through the land and deposit sand

  particles in a new location.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The images shown are created through the process of wind weathering, erosion,

or deposition.

Which of the following landforms are primarily formed by deposition?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Look at the image of the sand dune below. A geologist measures the height of the

sand dune over time. The image shows how the landform changed.

• The sand dune changed because plants grew on its surface, making it taller

  over time.

• The sand dune changed because wind moved sand from one side to the other,

  reshaping it over time.

• The sand dune changed because rainwater carried away the sand, causing it

  to shrink over time.

• The sand dune changed because animals burrowed into it, making it wider and

  flatter over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A team of scientists observes a desert area where tall sand dunes are constantly shifting. They notice that the dunes gradually move in the direction of the wind over time. What is the most likely reason for this movement?

• The sand is being weathered by the wind, causing it to change shape.

• The sand is weathering into smaller pieces and sinking into the ground.

• The sand is melting and re-hardening in new locations.

• The wind is eroding the sand from one side of the dune and depositing it on the other side.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following BEST describes how deposition occurs after wind erosion has transported particles?

• Wind causes particles to break down until they disintegrate completely.

• When wind slows down, it drops the particles it was carrying, leading to accumulation in a

  new location.

• Wind causes particles to rise to the atmosphere, where they remain suspended

  permanently.

• Wind compresses particles into a rock layer at Earth’s surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A park ranger notices that rocks on top of a mesa (flat-topped hill) have smoothed out and have small pits in them. Which process most likely caused this change?

• The wind weathered the rocks by carrying sand particles that scratched the surface.

• The rocks were eroded by rainfall and deposited in a new location.

• Earthquakes caused the rocks to break into smaller pieces and smooth out.

• Animals digging in the ground caused the rocks to wear down and smooth out.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

You see a large boulder in the desert that appears to be gradually wearing down over time. It has a smooth, polished surface on one side. What process most likely caused this?

• Water weathering the rock and carrying pieces of it away through erosion.

• Animals digging near the rock and pushing soil onto the surface.

• Wind weathering the rock by blowing sand against it and eroding the surface.

• The Sun heating the rock until it melted, creating a smooth surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What effect does long-term wind deposition have on Earth's surface?

• It causes rapid changes to landscapes within a few days.

• It gradually builds up layers of sediment that can form new landforms over time.

• It only wears down mountains without building up any new features.

• It smooths surfaces but has no impact on the formation of new landscapes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A strong windstorm passes through a desert region, lifting large amounts of sand and

transporting it to a nearby area. Over many years, this process repeats, causing sand dunes to

form.

Which combination of environmental factors would likely lead to the formation of taller sand dunes

in this region?

• Stronger winds and an increase in plant growth.

• Weaker winds and a wetter climate with more vegetation.

• Stronger winds and a drier climate with minimal vegetation.

• Weaker winds and frequent rainstorms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2