Weathering and Erosion

Front

What is weathering?

Back

The breaking down of rocks by chemical or physical means.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

The movement of weathered rocks by natural forces.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

The physical breaking down of a rock by wind, water, ice, or gravity.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

The laying down of rock in a new location.

Front

What is oxidation?

Back

The reaction of rock minerals with oxygen.

Front

What are the two main types of weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The process that changes the chemical composition of rocks.

Front

Give an example of mechanical weathering.

Back

Frost wedging, where water freezes in cracks of rocks and expands.

Front

What role does gravity play in erosion?

Back

Gravity pulls rocks and sediment downhill, contributing to erosion.

Front

How does water contribute to weathering?

Back

Water can cause both mechanical and chemical weathering through processes like freeze-thaw and dissolution.