Minerals/Weathering and Erosion

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by water, wind, or ice.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering breaks down rocks in place, while erosion involves the movement of those broken pieces to a new location.

Front

What causes landslides?

Back

Landslides are caused by the movement of rock and soil down a slope, often triggered by heavy rain, earthquakes, or human activity.

Front

How do rivers erode land?

Back

Rivers erode land by carrying away soil and rock as they flow, deepening their channels over time.

Front

What is a canyon?

Back

A canyon is a deep valley with steep sides, often formed by the erosion of rock by a river over a long period.

Front

What is the role of vegetation in preventing erosion?

Back

Vegetation helps prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil with roots and reducing the impact of rain on the soil surface.

Front

What is ice wedging?

Back

Ice wedging is a type of physical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Front

What is a crystal?

Back

A crystal is a solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern.