Weathering in Deserts

Breaking down of rocks and other substances on Earth

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Weathering is...

• the movement of sediment.

• the breaking down of larger rocks into sediment.

• a small piece of rock.

• a landform carved out by wind and water.

Which slow changes to Earth’s surface helped form these sand dunes?

• Erosion and deposition of sediment from a river

• Weathering of sediment from ice

• Deposition of sediment from the wind

• Weathering of rock by a slow-moving river

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A scientist is studying geologic formations in deserts. During the study, the scientist draws a diagram of a canyon that has a unique shape. Which of these BEST explains why the canyon has a unique shape?

• The layers of the canyon are composed of different rocks and erode at different rates

• The canyon is located in an area next to a river; the bottom layers experience more erosion than the upper layers

• All layers of the canyon erode at the same time

• The canyon is located in an area that receives heavy rainfall; erosion occurs more quickly due to the constant exposure of water

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

This is an example of _____________________________.

• physical weathering

• chemical weathering

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the primary type of weathering that occurs in desert environments?

• Mechanical weathering

• Chemical weathering

• Biological weathering

• Glacial weathering

Which process is responsible for the formation of desert pavement?

• Wind erosion

• Water erosion

• Thermal expansion and contraction

• Chemical dissolution

In deserts, what role does wind play in weathering?

• It transports sand that abrades rock surfaces.

• It dissolves minerals in rocks.

• It causes chemical reactions with rock surfaces.

• It freezes water in rock cracks.

What is a common result of thermal expansion and contraction in desert rocks?

• Formation of sand dunes

• Frost wedging

• Exfoliation

• Oxidation

Which mineral is most likely to undergo chemical weathering in a desert?

• Quartz

• Feldspar

• Calcite

• Mica

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2