Erosion by Water

Water is essential for life and acts as a powerful force in nature, causing erosion and shaping landscapes. It can dissolve substances, clean surfaces, and transport soil and rock. Erosion by water begins with raindrops and can lead to significant geological changes, such as the formation of valleys and canyons. Water runoff and streams carry sediment, with faster water causing more erosion. Coastal erosion is driven by hydraulic action and abrasion, while chemical weathering dissolves rocks like limestone. Despite its destructive potential, water creates diverse and beautiful landforms.

What is one of the primary roles of water in nature?

• To remain unchanged

• To serve as a basis for life

• To dissolve all substances

• To act as a solid structure

How does water initially cause erosion during a rainstorm?

• By freezing the soil

• By forming ice crystals

• By the impact of raindrops dislodging soil particles

• By evaporating quickly

What determines the velocity of a stream?

• The size, shape, and steepness of the water channel

• The amount of sunlight

• The color of the water

• The temperature of the water

Which process involves particles rolling along the riverbed?

• Suspension

• Evaporation

• Siltation

• Traction

What is hydraulic action?

• The evaporation of water from surfaces

• The absorption of water by plants

• The compression of air in rock cracks by waves

• The process of water freezing and expanding

How does chemical weathering occur with water?

• By compressing rocks with pressure

• By freezing water in cracks

• By dissolving rocks with acids in water

• By heating rocks with sunlight

What landforms can water erosion create over time?

• Deserts and plateaus

• Mountains and hills

• Plains and prairies

• Ravines, valleys, and canyons