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Worksheets

Weathering, Erosion & Deposition

Total questions: 144

Worksheet time: 2hrs 48mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What caused this road to erode?

a)

Strong Wind

b)

Waves of Water

c)

Ice

d)

Humans digging

2.

What type of weathering is this?

a)

Ice

b)

Chemical

c)

Wind

d)

Biological

3.

What will happen to this sidewalk if the tree continues to grow?

a)

The roots will grow away from the sidewalk

b)

The roots will grow and break the sidewalk into pieces.

c)

The roots will stop growing

4.

How is the river changing the valley over time?

a)

The river is drying up, exposing rocks

b)

The river becomes more narrow

c)

The river freezes

d)

The river is widening, covering more land and rocks.

5.

What most likely caused this rock to change?

a)

Water got into the crack & froze many times

b)

Wind quickly blew sand into the crack

c)

sunlight made the rock get hot & burst

6.

Does weathering and erosion happen quickly?

a)

Yes

b)

No

7.

What created the Grand Canyon?

a)

Earthquakes tore the land in half.

b)

Floods quickly caused landslides.

c)

Rain, wind & the river slowly carved into the rock & soil.

d)

Large erupting volcanoes.

8.

What most likely caused this crack in the road?

a)

Tectonic Shift

b)

Acid Rain

c)

Ice Wedging

d)

Root Wedging

9.

Which is an example of wind weathering?

a)

A rock cracking in half

b)

A root breaking a sidewalk

c)

A road cracking in winter

d)

A desert rock changing shape over many years

10.

What is the correct sequence?

a)

Deposition, Erosion, Weathering

b)

Weathering, Erosion, Deposition

c)

Erosion, Deposition, Weathering

d)

Erosion, Weathering, Deposition

11.

Plants growing in rocks is an example of...

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

12.

Wind blowing rocks away is an example of....

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

13.

The acid normally involved in the formation of limestone caves is:

a)

hydrochloric acid

b)

nitric acid

c)

carbonic acid

d)

sulfuric acid

14.
RUST is chemical weathering by
a)
water dissolving minerals
b)
carbonic acid in groundwater
c)
acid rain
d)
oxidation
15.

Mounds of wind-deposited sand in deserts & on shorelines are:

a)

sea arches

b)

sea stacks

c)

sand dunes

d)

cliffs

16.

The extremely slow (the slowest) mass movement of material down a slope is called

a)

mudslides

b)

creep

c)

slump

d)

avalanche

17.
What part of trees, grass, or other plant holds soil in place to prevent erosion?
a)
flowers
b)
trunk or stem
c)
roots
d)
leaves
18.
Which causes chemical weathering?
a)
acids and oxygen
b)
water, wind and gravity
c)
abrasion
d)
root and ice wedging
19.
Plants usually break open small cracks in rocks with their
a)
seeds
b)
roots
c)
branches
d)
pollen
20.
U shaped valleys are formed by
a)
rivers
b)
glaciers
c)
wind
d)
human activity
21.
Physical weathering by ABRASION is usually caused by friction due to
a)
digging animals, glaciers, acid rain and farm plowing
b)
running water, erosion, deposition, deflation and saltation
c)
rock particles carried by wind, water and gravity
d)
acid secreted by lichen, oxidation and ice wedging
22.

What is the breakdown of the Earth’s crust into sediment called?

a)

erosion

b)

deposition

c)

weathering

23.

What is it called when weathered rock is carried away?

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

24.

Which one of the examples below is physical weathering?

a)

lichens growing on rock

b)

acid rain wearing away limestone

c)

oxidation (rusting) of a flag pole

d)

frost wedging splitting a rock apart

25.

Which of these terms describes the process of acid rain wearing out limestone?

a)

deposition

b)

chemical weathering

c)

physical weathering

d)

erosion

26.

Which of these is an example of erosion?

a)

light shining onto a mountain

b)

wind blowing away sediment

c)

rain breaking down rock

d)

all options are correct

27.

What is the process called when a glacier deposits rocks in oceans and lakes?

a)

deposition

b)

chemical weathering

c)

physical weathering

d)

erosion

28.

Which of these examples is deposition?

a)

wind blowing sand

b)

sand that was dropped on the beach by waves

c)

pebbles falling downhill due to gravity

d)

a tree root breaking a rock

29.

What is the movement of weathered material (sediment) from one place to another by wind, water, gravity, or ice?

a)

erosion

b)

deposition

c)

chemical weathering

d)

physical weathering

30.

Extreme temperature changes is an example of what type of weathering?

a)

chemical

b)

physical

31.

Weathering, erosion, and deposition impact Earth's geographic features.

a)

true

b)

false

32.

___ moves material from one place to another.

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

33.

___ changes the identity of rocks & it involves a chemical reaction or change.

a)

Physical weathering

b)

Chemical weathering

c)

Deposition

d)

Erosion

34.

This is an example of __.

a)

physical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

35.

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

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

36.

Rain washing away soil from a hillside is an example of...

a)

physical weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

chemical weathering

37.

The process by which rocks are broken down

a)

Weathering

b)

Deposition

c)

Erosion

38.

The process in which wind, water, ice or gravity transport rock fragments from one location to another

a)

Weathering

b)

Deposition

c)

Erosion

39.

The process in which sediment drops to the bottom of the water or wind that is carrying it:

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

40.

Fragments of weathered rocks are known as ____.

a)

sediments

b)

deposits

c)

limestones

d)

sandstones

41.

The MECHANICAL breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces is...

a)

Physical weathering

b)

Chemical weathering

42.

The breakdown and decomposition of rocks as a result of chemical reactions and processes

a)

Physical weathering

b)

Chemical weathering

43.

Water gradually wearing down and smoothing rocks over a long period of time is an example of...

a)

physical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

c)

deposition

d)

erosion

44.

When iron in rocks reacts with oxygen, it forms iron oxide (rust), which weakens rocks and causes them to break apart. This is an example of...

a)

physical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

c)

erosion

d)

deposition

45.

Rain washing away soil from a hillside is an example of...

a)

physical weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

chemical weathering

46.

Waves dropping sand onto land until a beach is formed is an example of...

a)

physical weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

chemical weathering

47.

An avalanche is an example of...

a)

physical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

c)

erosion

d)

deposition

48.

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

a)

forming new land features.

b)

washing away beaches.

c)

breaking down large rocks in to smaller ones.

d)

moving topsoil.

49.

What causes the greatest amount of erosion on beaches?

a)

Waves

b)

Glaciers

c)

Wind

d)

Gravity

50.

What is an enormous mass of ice moving over land, causing weathering of rock and soil?

a)

A glacier

b)

An iceberg

c)

An ice wedge

d)

A sand dune

51.

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

a)

keeps the rocks in place.

b)

makes the rocks last longer.

c)

expands cracks and breaks rocks.

d)

causes rocks to fall in landslides.

52.

Which of the following is NOT a slow change to Earth's surface?

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

d)

Landslides

53.

A delta is formed by the action of -

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

condensation

54.
What caused the edges of these rocks to become smooth?
a)
rocks bumping and scraping against each other in a river
b)
ice scraping from a glacier
c)
sand blowing in the wind
d)
plants growing roots
55.
Weathering and erosion are the same thing.
a)
True
b)
False
56.

A farmer's topsoil is blown away during a hurricane is an example of __.

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

57.

_____ is the movement of soil & rock by wind, water, ice, & gravity.

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

58.

___occurs when eroded materials stop moving & begin to build up.

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

59.

_____ is a process that weathers rock without a chemical reaction or change.

a)

Mechanical weathering

b)

Chemical weathering

c)

Deposition

60.

This is an example of __.

a)

mechanical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

61.

A __ is a wetland area that forms as river waters empty into a larger body of water.

a)

dune

b)

delta

c)

slump

d)

gully

62.

While camping, Stefan & Adrien wake one morning to discover that their car & tent are covered with a thin layer of sand. This is an example of:

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

63.

Hillsides are sometimes terraced to grow plants. What is the purpose of using terraces?

a)

to keep roots from spreading

b)

to increase wind erosion

c)

to retain soil & water

d)

to provide protection from animals

64.

The rate of soil erosion will be higher in a field of crops planted in rows than in a field covered with grass because

a)

grass grows lower to the ground than most crops

b)

more soil is exposed to wind and water

c)

most crops grow lower to the ground than grass

d)

less soil is exposed to wind and water

65.

The picture shows a kind of glacier that can be many meters thick. In this landscape, which of the following is most likely directly affected by this kind of glacier?

a)

The average height of plants on the mountainside

b)

the average mass of trees near the lake

c)

the shape of clouds that form above the glacier

d)

the shape of the valley between the mountains

66.

Which of the following is the most important factor in the erosion of soil?

a)

none of the choices

b)

wind

c)

glaciers

d)

water

67.

Which of these processes describes how sand is deposited on beaches?

a)

waves carry sand to the beach and the sun dries the water, leaving sand behind.

b)

Wind and waves grind up rocks under the beach into grains of sand.

c)

Wind carries sand onto beaches from the land and then levels it out.

d)

waves carry sand up the sloping beach, depositing sand as the waves lose speed.

68.

In Spring 2003, a natural rock outcropping in New Hampshire called the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed. Which of the following most likely loosed the rock and caused it to fall?

a)

oxygen reacting with iron on the surface of the rock

b)

heat turning sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock

c)

volcanic activity producing pressure at the rock's base

d)

water freezing and thawing inside cracks in the rock

69.

Plants/animals digging under ground with roots or claws to break apart rocks is called:

a)

Creep

b)

Abrasion

c)

Burrowing

d)

Exfoliation

70.

The image above depicts the effects of chemical weathering breaking down limestone. Which type of chemical weathering causes this reaction?

a)

Acid rain

b)

Oxidation

c)

Exfoliation

d)

Abrasion

71.

Over millions of years, the shape of mountains on Earth's surface can change to low hills & then rolling plains. These changes are most likely caused by-

a)

Deposition

b)

Volcanoes & Earthquakes

c)

Human activity

d)

Weathering & Erosion

72.

Ashley wanted to demonstrate weathering & erosion. She put the same number/size of rocks into 2 tin cans, then added a small amount of water to both cans. Can A was shaken at a constant rate for 15 minutes, and can B was shaken for 60 minutes. Ashley then drained out all of the water & placed the rocks on the desk to observe. What is the best prediction of how how the rocks will look after this experiment?

a)

The rocks in can B will become larger & rounder than can A

b)

The rocks in can B will become smaller & rounder than can A

c)

The rocks in can A will become smaller & rounder than can B

d)

The rocks in can A will become larger & rounder than can B

73.

Which type of area is more likely to weather & erode? An area with a lot of vegetation or an area with very little? Why?

a)

The area with very little vegetation, because the roots won't be able to burrow through the rocks to weather it down.

b)

The area with a lot of vegetation, because the roots will burrow through the rocks causing a landslide.

c)

The area with very little vegetation, because it has no roots to absorb extra water or hold the soil together. The extra water & loose soil is likely to become a landslide/mudslide.

d)

The area with a lot of vegetation, because the roots will absorb any extra rain water, & will also hold the soil together preventing a landslide.

74.

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

a)

Erosion breaks down the rocks, and weathering carries the broken pieces away.

b)

Erosion carries broken pieces away, and weathering builds the pieces back up into another land mass.

c)

Weathering carries broken pieces away, and erosion builds the pieces back up into another land mass.

d)

Weathering breaks down rocks, and erosion carries the broken pieces away.

75.

Liam prepares a model by filling a plastic bottle with water, capping it tightly, & placing it in the freezer for 24 hours. After 24 hours, there are large cracks on the bottle's sides. Liam's model most likely represents which of the following types of weathering:

a)

Acid rain

b)

Oxidation

c)

Frost wedging

d)

Plucking

76.

Which term best describes the graphic organizer in circle T?

a)

Ice wedging

b)

Abrasion

c)

Oxidation

d)

Burrowing animals

77.

___ is the dropping off/ depositing of rocks.

a)

Erosion

b)

Deposition

c)

Weathering

78.

Which of the following is NOT one of the main factors that cause Weathering?

a)

plant roots

b)

Fast flowing lotic water

c)

cycle of water freezing and melting in cracks

d)

gravity

79.

What is weathering?

a)

occurs when the eroded materials are dropped or laid down

b)

fragments of weathering rocks

c)

the process by which rock materials are broken down by the action of physical and chemical process

d)

the process by which wind, water, ice or gravity transport weathered materials from one location to another

80.

What is sediment?

a)

occurs when the eroded materials are dropped or laid down

b)

fragments of weathering rocks

c)

the process by which rock materials are broken down by the action of physical and chemical process

d)

the process by which wind, water, ice or gravity transport weathered materials from one location to another

81.

In the pictures below, choose each picture that shows different types of physical weathering.

a)
b)
c)
d)
82.

In the pictures below, choose a picture that shows physical weathering of rock that has abrasion caused by wind.

a)
b)
c)
d)
83.

In the pictures below, choose a picture that shows chemical weathering of rock.

a)
b)
c)
d)
84.

Which picture shows an animal causing physical weathering?

a)
b)
c)
d)
85.

What type of chemical weathering is in the picture shown?

a)

oxidation

b)

mosses and lichens

c)

acid precipitation

86.

Which picture represents a glacier eroding a valley?

a)
b)
c)
d)
87.

Which picture represents water eroding sediment?

a)
b)
c)
d)
88.

What happens to the sediment when a river slows down at a curve?

a)

the river picks up larger pieces of sediment

b)

the river loses energy & drops sediment

c)

the river gains energy & picks up large boulders

d)

the river stops all erosion at this point

89.

What geologic process is happening to the rock in this picture?

a)

The rock is being physically weathered by the tree roots

b)

The rock is being chemically weathered by the tree roots

c)

The rock is being eroded by the tree roots

d)

The rock is being deposited by the tree roots

90.

What geologic process happens when a delta forms as a river is emptied into the ocean?

a)

the sediment's composition is being changed by oxidation

b)

the sediment is being eroded by the river and deposited into the ocean

c)

the sediment has experienced frost wedging

91.
Wind blasting sand at rock and carving out caves is an example of:
a)
Weathering
b)
Erosion
c)
Deposition
92.
Rain does not moves sediment.
a)
True
b)
False
93.
All of the following are causes of physical weathering except...
a)
plant growth
b)
wind
c)
acid rain
d)
running water
94.
Muddy water being carried away by a fast-moving river is an example of:
a)
Weathering
b)
Erosion
c)
Deposition 
95.
Hot temperatures cause rocks to _________ 
a)
Expand
b)
Shrink
96.
Cold temperatures cause rocks to _____ 
a)
Expand
b)
Shrink
97.
What happens when weathering and erosion work together?
a)
New Mountains are created
b)
The climate changes overnight
c)
Metal objects become rusty
d)
They change the Earth's surface
98.
The ___________of a mountain weathers the fastest
a)
bottom
b)
middle
c)
top
d)
all parts weather the same
99.
How does vegetation in the soil affect the rate of erosion?
a)
It doesn't affect erosion.
b)
It decreases erosion.
c)
It increases erosion.
100.

Deltas are mainly created by the process of -

a)

deposition

b)

weathering

c)

waves

d)

erosion

101.
How do we know that a rock has been weathered?
a)
it has sharp edges
b)
it has round edges
102.
Sediments piling up at the bottom of a hill or at the bottom of the ocean floor are examples of
a)
weathering
b)
erosion
c)
deposition
103.

Limestone reacting with an acid is an example of

a)

mechanical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

c)

erosion

d)

deposition

104.

A sidewalk being cracked by tree roots is an example of

a)

mechanical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

c)

erosion

d)

deposition

105.

A statue being broken down by reacting with acid rain is an example of

a)

mechanical weathering

b)

chemical weathering

c)

erosion

d)

none of these

106.

This arch was created by pieces of rock being washed away by the waves. This is an example of

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

none of these

107.

When areas of uneven elevation get heavy rains, landslides can form. Landslides are most likely to form

a)

in areas that have temperatures close to freezing.

b)

in regions with dense rock under the soil layer.

c)

on the tops of very tall mountains.

d)

on the slopes of very steep hills.

108.

Alex creates the model shown of a stream bed. They want to demonstrate how natural processes can change the surface of Earth through deposition & erosion. They pour water on their model & makes observations. In which situation will more deposition than erosion occur in Alex's stream bed model?

a)

More deposition will occur if the slope of the stream increases.

b)

More deposition will occur if sediment in the stream decreases.

c)

More deposition will occur if sediment in the stream increases.

d)

More deposition will occur if the speed of the stream water decreases.

109.

Sam noticed after a heavy rainstorm that the loose dirt in their backyard had been moved around, creating channels & mounds. Select two of the processes that took place in Sam's backyard.

a)

oxidation

b)

deposition

c)

creep

d)

weathering

e)

erosion

110.

Based on the diagram, structure X is

a)

a delta that is changing due to sediment deposits from ocean currents.

b)

an island that is changing due to the movement of plate boundaries.

c)

a delta that is changing due to sediment deposits from a river.

d)

an island that is changing due to increasing volcanic lava flow.

111.
Weathering is the MOVING  of rocks.
a)
True (yes)
b)
False (no)
112.

MOVING small rocks to another place is

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

All of these are correct

113.

Dropping off & building from pieces of rocks is:

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

None of these

114.

Breaking rocks into smaller pieces is called

a)

weathering

b)

erosion

c)

deposition

d)

all of these

115.

Wind blowing & moving sand is:

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

116.

Waves dropping sand on the beach is called?

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

d)

Not enough information to answer this question

117.

Fiat noticed water getting into the cracks of a rock, freezing, & then ultimately breaking the rock. What process did Fiat observe?

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

d)

All of these

118.

Waves dropping sand on the beach is best described as:

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

119.

The photograph shows a valley created by a glacier. The result of this glacial action will be a

a)

U-shaped valley with well-sorted, rounded sediment

b)

U-shaped valley with scratched and grooved bedrock

c)

V-shaped valley with scratched and grooved bedrock

d)

V-shaped valley with well-sorted, rounded sediment

120.

The diagram below shows a glacial landscape feature forming over time from a melting block of ice. This glacial landscape feature is best identified as

a)

a kettle lake

b)

an outwash plain

c)

a oxbow lake

d)

a moraine

e)

a drumlin

121.

The cross section below represents the transport of sediments by a glacier. At which location is deposition most likely the dominant process?

a)

A

b)

B

c)

C

d)

D

122.

Which feature will most likely form when the partially buried ice block melts?

a)

drumlin

b)

morraine

c)

kettle lake

d)

till

e)

sand dune

123.

The elongated hills labeled R are most useful in determining the

a)

age of the glacier

b)

direction of movement of the glacier

c)

size of the glacier

d)

velocity of the glacier

124.

Which characteristic would most likely decrease along the reference line from A to B? (Traveling away from the mouth of the river)

a)

the density of the water

b)

the size of the sediments

c)

the amount of salt in solution

d)

the depth of the water

125.

As snow builds up it __ the bottom layers.

a)

Compresses

b)

Depresses

c)

Builds up

d)

Does nothing to

126.

Freeze thaw is:

a)

This process is when water gets into cracks in the rock. As the water in the cracks freezes, it expands and breaks the rock up.

b)

This process is when ice gets into cracks in the rock. As the ice in the cracks freezes, it shrinks and breaks the rock up.

c)

This process is when water gets into cracks in the rock. As the water in the cracks melts, it expands and breaks the rock up.

d)

This process is when water gets into cracks in the rock. As the water in the cracks freezes, it expands and brings the rock together.

127.

What is this image representing?

a)

Abrasion

b)

Plucking

c)

Freeze Thaw

d)

Deposition

128.

Why do glaciers move?

a)

Gravity

b)

Weight

c)

Gravity& weight

d)

Neither gravity nor weight

129.
What are examples of mass movement?
a)
Landslides and mudflows
b)
Slumps
c)
Creeps
d)
All of these
130.
What is the cause of mass movement?
a)
Chemical weathering
b)
Abrasion
c)
Erosion
d)
Gravity
131.

When a large amount of dirt and rock move downhill, this is known as a

a)

mud slide

b)

landslide

c)

creep

d)

rock fall

132.

If a large amount of sediment suddenly slips downhill in one huge mass, it is called a

a)

slump

b)

avalanche

c)

creep

d)

drumlin

133.
If soil and debris are moving slowly downhill it is called a 
a)
glacier
b)
slump
c)
creep
d)
landslide
134.
When rills are connected together and form lage channels in the soil they are called 
a)
rills
b)
gullies
c)
rivers
d)
streams
135.
What is formed when the curve of a river is separated and becomes its own body of water?
a)
Meander
b)
Tributary
c)
Flood plain
d)
Oxbow lake
136.

Arrows on the map show the location & orientation of glacial striations on the surface bedrock. Dark shading shows the location of large moraines. How were the striations made?

a)

Frost action cracked the bedrock during the ice age.

b)

Rocks at the bottom of the glaciers were dragged over the bedrock.

c)

Particles carried by winds scratched the bedrock during the ice age.

d)

Particles carried by glacial meltwater eroded the bedrock.

137.

Which landscape feature was most likely formed by glacial activity?

a)

an eroded plateau

b)

a flat floodplain

c)

a U-shaped valley

d)

a V-shaped valley

138.

unsorted rock material deposited directly by ice as it melts is called

a)

moraines

b)

sediments

c)

till

d)

particles

139.
Glaciers form when _____.
a)
less snow falls than melts 
b)
more snow falls than melts 
c)
less rain falls than freezes 
d)
more rain falls than freezes 
140.

_____ are are lines deposited at bottom or along sides of glaciers.

a)

Drumlins

b)

Till

c)

Kettle Lakes

d)

Moraines

141.

A _____ are depressions formed as stranded ice blocks melt in till.

a)

meanders

b)

oxbow lakes

c)

kettle lakes

d)

drumlins

142.
What glacial features are indicated by the labels C and D on the figure?
a)
moraines
b)
outwash plains
c)
kettle lakes
d)
ice sheets
143.
A glacier is __________
a)
series of frozen lakes that line up parallel to one another 
b)
series of frozen seas that rest in the interior of continents 
c)
o  large body of ice that does not move across the earth's surface 
d)
large body of ice and snow that shows evidence of movement 
144.
How do glaciers erode land?
a)
By picking up soil and rocks and depositing them in new location
b)
By picking up water from lakes and streams and carrying it to the ocean
c)
By causing rain and snow in an area
d)
By lowering the atmospheric pressure, causing intense windstorms