Scope Assessment: Slow changes on Earth

A student put some clean rocks in a jar. The jar was filled with clean water and covered with a lid. Then, the student shook the jar for 5 minutes. Other students noticed that small pieces of rocks had been detached and that there was fine sand at the bottom of the jar. What change in the surface of Earth was the student modeling?

• The formation of sand dunes

• The effects of weathering

• The formation of deltas

• Sediment erosion

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

• Erosion breaks apart rock particles, and weathering moves them.

• Weathering breaks apart rock particles, and erosion moves them.

• Weathering takes place only in harsh climates, such as deserts, and erosion takes place in moderate climates, such as forests.

• Erosion takes place only in harsh climates, such as deserts, and weathering takes place in moderate climates, such as forests.

Carefully read each question, and determine the best answer. Some students set up the model shown below to investigate changes to Earth’s surface. The model can be used to show how–

• ocean waves affect beaches.

• glaciers form deep valleys.

• flowing rivers cause erosion.

• wind creates sand dunes.

All of the following are examples of erosion EXCEPT– A. sand is dropped to create a new landform. B. a river forms a canyon by sediment being carried away. C. a valley is carved by a glacier when rocks are moved from one place to another. D. strong waters wash away a riverbank.

• A. sand is dropped to create a new landform.

• B. a river forms a canyon by sediment being carried away.

• C. a valley is carved by a glacier when rocks are moved from one place to another.

• D. strong waters wash away a riverbank.

In a river, sediments often stop at the mouth of a river where a delta forms. Why does the sediment get deposited at the mouth of the river?

• That is the location of many dams that block the sediment.

• The colder ocean water pushes the sediment away.

• Animals are often at the mouth of the river and cause the sediment to stop.

• The water from the river slows down, allowing the sediment to stop.

The following diagram shows sea cliffs and small, sandy beaches that formed along a coastline. Which statements explain how these different landforms were produced on the same coastline?

• Erosion and deposition processes

• Volcanic activity

• Tectonic plate movements

• Human intervention

Select two correct answers. What formed the sea cliffs and small, sandy beaches?

• A) Weathering and erosion formed the cliffs.

• B) Glaciers carved out the cliffs and beaches when they traveled down the coast.

• C) Volcanoes erupted, and the lava formed cliffs that caused the waves to create beaches.

• D) Earthquakes over time have broken down rock between the cliffs to form the beaches.

• E) Deposition, caused by water, formed the beaches.

Below lists slow changes to Earth. Identify the change to Earth described in each row. Flood waters pound against a canyon wall and wear it down. Glaciers scrape rocks across Earth’s surface. Rocks are made smooth by tumbling across a streambed.

• Flood waters pound against a canyon wall

• Erosion

• Sand is dropped to make a sand dune

• Weathering

• Rocks are picked up from following water

• Deposition

Read the descriptions of some processes that can change Earth's surface. Which number best describes the process of weathering? 1. It is the movement of sediment. Water, wind, and ice slowly carry away soil. 2. It spreads lava and ash in a wide area. It builds new land as it cools. 3. Sediments are dropped in a new location. Water, wind, and ice can be part of the process. 4. It is the breaking down of rock by water, wind, and ice. It causes landforms to change shape.

• 1. It is the movement of sediment. Water, wind, and ice slowly carry away soil.

• 2. It spreads lava and ash in a wide area. It builds new land as it cools.

• 3. Sediments are dropped in a new location. Water, wind, and ice can be part of the process.

• 4. It is the breaking down of rock by water, wind, and ice. It causes landforms to change shape.

Observe the pictures that were taken almost 100 years apart. What changes have occurred and what processes caused those changes?

• Urbanization and technological advancement

• Deforestation and climate change

• Population growth and industrialization

• Conservation efforts and reforestation