Weathering, Erosion, or Deposition?

Imagine you're a detective like Bob, trying to solve the mystery of how rocks change over time. What is the process called where rocks are broken down by natural forces?

• Erosion

• Weathering

• Deposition

• Sedimentation

Answer explanation

The process where rocks are broken down by natural forces is called weathering. Erosion involves the movement of weathered material, while deposition and sedimentation refer to the accumulation of materials, not their breakdown.

Adams and Ferris are on a treasure hunt! Which process will help them move the sediment from one place to another to uncover the hidden treasure?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Compaction

Answer explanation

Erosion is the process that moves sediment from one location to another, which is essential for Adams and Ferris to uncover the hidden treasure. It involves the transportation of soil and rock by wind, water, or ice.

Oakland and Ferris are on a treasure hunt and they need to know: What is the final stage where sediments are laid down in new locations?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Transportation

Answer explanation

The final stage where sediments are laid down in new locations is called deposition. This process occurs after erosion and transportation, when materials settle in a new area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Bob and Penelope were on a road trip when they encountered mud and debris covering the road after a mudslide. What natural process are they witnessing?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Bob and Penelope are witnessing erosion, which is the process where soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface due to natural forces like water. The mudslide indicates that material has been displaced, characteristic of erosion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Adams and Belle are watching a hurricane from a safe distance. They notice the storm surge waves carrying soil away from a cliff. What process are they observing?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Adams and Belle are observing erosion, which is the process of soil and rock being carried away by water, in this case, the storm surge waves. This contrasts with weathering, which involves the breakdown of materials without movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Imagine Bob and Milo on an adventure in the desert, watching the wind blast sand particles at rock, carving out smooth arches. What natural process are they witnessing?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Bob and Milo are witnessing weathering, as the wind blasts sand particles against the rock, breaking it down and carving smooth arches. This process involves the physical breakdown of rocks without moving them away.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Imagine Collier and Adams are on an adventure, exploring the mouth of a mighty river. They stumble upon a muddy delta forming right before their eyes. What natural process are they witnessing?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Collier and Adams are witnessing deposition, the process where sediments are laid down as the river slows at its mouth, forming a delta. This contrasts with erosion, which involves the removal of material.

Roberts and Jackson are on an adventure, exploring a canyon. Suddenly, they notice flood waters pounding against the canyon wall, wearing it away. What natural process are they witnessing?

• A. Weathering

• B. Erosion

• C. Deposition

Answer explanation

Roberts and Jackson are witnessing weathering, as the flood waters are breaking down the canyon wall material. Erosion involves the movement of that material, while deposition refers to the laying down of sediment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Oakland and Belle are on a nature adventure and discover a pond slowly filling up with sediment. What process are they observing?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Oakland and Belle are observing deposition, the process where sediment settles and accumulates in a pond. This occurs as materials are transported by water and eventually drop out of the flow, filling the pond.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Imagine Waltz and Rue are on a winter adventure, and they notice water trickling into cracks in rocks. As the temperature drops, the water freezes and breaks the rocks apart. What is this natural process called?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

Answer explanation

The process described is called weathering. When water seeps into rock cracks and freezes, it expands, causing the rocks to break apart. This physical breakdown of rocks due to temperature changes is a key aspect of weathering.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2