Weathering & Erosion

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process that moves small pieces of Earth's surface from one location to another, often caused by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What role does wind play in weathering?

Back

Wind can carry sand and other particles that wear away at rocks, contributing to the weathering process.

Front

How does ice contribute to weathering?

Back

Ice can cause weathering through freeze-thaw cycles, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and eventually breaks the rock apart.

Front

What is the relationship between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion transports those pieces to new locations.

Front

What are the main agents of erosion?

Back

The main agents of erosion include water, wind, ice, and gravity.

Front

What is the process of expansion and contraction in relation to weathering?

Back

Expansion and contraction occur when temperature changes cause materials to expand when heated and contract when cooled, leading to cracks and weathering in rocks.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often through reactions with water, acids, or gases.

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is biological weathering?

Back

Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks.