Slow changes to Earth's Surface: Water

Which statement BEST describes how weathering and erosion are alike and how

they are different?

• Both change the Earth’s surface. Weathering breaks down rocks, and

  erosion moves the broken pieces around by water, wind, or ice.

• Both change the Earth’s surface. Erosion breaks down the rocks, and

  weathering moves the broken pieces around by water, wind, or ice.

• They have nothing in common. Erosion breaks down the rocks, and

  weathering moves the broken pieces around by water, wind, or ice.

• Both break down rocks. Weathering breaks down rocks using ice, and

  erosion breaks down rocks using water.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The picture below shows a delta.

Which process most likely caused the formation of this landform?

• The cooling of lava and hardening of new land

• The depositing of sediment by a river

• The breaking down of rock by strong winds

• The erosion of rock down a hillside or cliff

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Students on a field trip observed a canyon and wondered how it was formed.

Three major characteristics of the canyon were recorded.

Select TWO correct answers.

This canyon was most likely formed by —

• volcanic activity over a long period of time

• slow movement of a glacier over a long period of time

• water moving through the rock over a long period of time

• ocean waves washing against the rock over a long period of time

• water breaking down rocks over a long period of time

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Two landforms are shown in the images below.

Which statement is true about the formation of each of these landforms? Both

landforms are created by —

• deposition of sediments

• glaciers

• erosion of sediments

• wind

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Scientists observed two different landforms while studying how Earth's surface changes over

time. Which processes correctly match how the landforms below were created. Select TWO correct answers.

• The canyon was formed by water erosion over millions of years.

• The canyon was created by volcanic activity.

• The delta was formed by ocean waves pushing sand inland.

• The delta was created by river water depositing sediment.

• Both landforms were created by glacier movement.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A student observes two different valley shapes in a mountainous region. Which statement

correctly explains how the V-shaped valley was formed?

• Glaciers slowly moving down the mountain

• Wind erosion over thousands of years

• Fast-moving water cutting through rock

• Earthquakes splitting the mountain

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A scientist is studying the formation at the mouth of the Mississippi River, as shown in the image.

Which process is MOST responsible for creating this triangular-shaped landform?

• Ocean waves pushing sand onto the shore

• River water slowing down and dropping sediment

• Wind blowing sand into piles

• Glaciers moving and depositing rocks

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Scientists studied two rivers flowing into the same ocean to understand why some rivers form

deltas while others don't.

Which river and rationale explains why it would MOST LIKELY build a delta first?

• River A because it can carry more sand with its fast water.

• River B because slower water drops sand to build new land.

• River A because clear water helps sand settle faster.

• River B because all rivers eventually form deltas.

Scientists studied how a river shapes the land as it flows through a canyon.

How does the flowing water in this bend help form the canyon?

• Water erodes both sides of the canyon equally.

• Water cuts deeper into the outer bank, widening the canyon.

• Water deposits sediment on both sides.

• Water only erodes the middle of the river bed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A student creates a model to demonstrate how a river can form a canyon. Which sequence of

steps would BEST model this process?

• 1. Pour water over a flat surface.

  2. Observe the water spreading out evenly.

  3. Note that no canyon forms.

• 1. Start with a deep, narrow channel.

  2. Pour water through the channel.

  3. Observe that the channel does not change.

• 1. Create a tilted surface with sand and soil.

  2. Pour water from the top of the tilted surface.

  3. Observe the water carving a path through the sediment.

• 1. Freeze a block of ice.

  2. Place the ice on a bed of sand.

  3. Watch the ice melt and note the formation of a canyon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2