Exploring the Rock Cycle and Weathering

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What is the rock cycle?

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The rock cycle is a continuous process where rocks are formed, broken down, and reformed through geological processes such as weathering, erosion, and sedimentation.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural forces such as wind, water, and ice.

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by physical, chemical, or biological processes.

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What is mechanical weathering?

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Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, often leading to the formation of new minerals.

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What is frost wedging?

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Frost wedging is a type of mechanical weathering that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

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What is the role of wind in erosion?

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Wind can transport small particles and sand, leading to the formation of features like sand dunes.

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What is sedimentation?

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Sedimentation is the process by which sediments are deposited in a new location, often in bodies of water.

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What is the difference between erosion and weathering?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken materials from one place to another.

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What is the conservation of matter in the rock cycle?

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The conservation of matter in the rock cycle means that while rocks change form, the total amount of matter remains constant.