Earth and Space Sol Review Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition

This is the process of dropping sediment in a new location.

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Deposition is the process where sediment is dropped in a new location after being transported by wind, water, or ice. This distinguishes it from weathering, which breaks down rocks, and erosion, which involves the movement of sediment.

This is the natural process of breaking rock into smaller pieces.

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Weathering is the natural process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means. Erosion involves the movement of these particles, while deposition refers to the settling of materials.

How does freezing water cause the weathering of rocks? The freezing water—

• keeps the rocks in place.

• makes the rocks last longer.

• expands cracks and breaks rocks.

• causes rocks to fall in landslides.

Answer explanation

Freezing water expands as it turns to ice, which can widen cracks in rocks. This process, known as frost wedging, leads to the breaking of rocks over time, making "expands cracks and breaks rocks" the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Over long periods of time, deposition may change the Earth’s surface by _____.

• depositing soil or sand to form new land features like islands.

• breaking down large rocks into smaller ones.

• washing away beaches.

• moving topsoil

Answer explanation

Over time, deposition can create new landforms by accumulating soil or sand, such as forming islands. This process contrasts with erosion, which breaks down or removes materials, making the first choice the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A delta (mouth of a river) is formed by the action of -

• weathering

• erosion

• deposition

• condensation

Answer explanation

A delta is formed by the deposition of sediment carried by a river as it slows down upon entering a larger body of water. This process builds up land over time, creating the characteristic delta shape.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Flood water pounding against a canyon wall and wearing it down

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Flood water wearing down a canyon wall is an example of weathering, which involves the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface. Erosion, on the other hand, refers to the movement of these materials.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which type of erosion would have caused this canyon to look like this over millions of years?

• Wind

• Water (river)

• Glaciers (ice)

• Wave (beach)

Answer explanation

The canyon's shape is primarily due to water erosion, specifically from a river. Over millions of years, flowing water carves through rock and soil, creating deep canyons, unlike other erosion types which have different effects.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

How do plants weather rocks?

• during photosynthesis

• when roots grow into cracks of rocks and expand the rock

• when the plant moves water from the roots to the leaves

Answer explanation

Plants weather rocks primarily when their roots grow into cracks. As the roots expand, they exert pressure on the rock, causing it to break apart. This process is a form of physical weathering.

What does deposition mean?

• to settle in a new spot

• to break apart

• to get blown away

• to move

Answer explanation

Deposition refers to the process where materials settle in a new spot, often seen in geological contexts. This makes 'to settle in a new spot' the correct choice, as it accurately describes the meaning of deposition.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

What is the fan shaped mouth of a river called that forms because of the deposition of sediments carried by the river as it empties into the ocean?

• Watershed

• Drainage Basin

• Delta

• Canyon

Answer explanation

The fan-shaped mouth of a river formed by sediment deposition as it flows into the ocean is called a delta. This occurs when the river slows down and loses energy, allowing sediments to settle and create this landform.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4