Weathering and Erosion Flashcard Review

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of the surface of rock, soil, and minerals into smaller pieces.

Front

Which area would experience more potholes in the winter: California or Alaska?

Back

Alaska since potholes form from freezing water, it gets much colder there.

Front

What is the destructive phase of water change that can cause weathering when it gets in the cracks of rocks and expands?

Back

Freezing.

Front

How does weathering form mountains and canyons?

Back

A solid piece of land gets broken down little by little by wind and water forming new land formations.

Front

What is a glacier?

Back

A glacier is frozen water responsible for moving rocks and carving out land as it moves.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by wind or water flow and then transported and deposited in other locations.

Front

What role does water play in weathering?

Back

Water can seep into cracks in rocks, freeze, and expand, causing the rocks to break apart.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces.

Front

What natural forces contribute to erosion?

Back

Wind, water, ice, and gravity are natural forces that contribute to erosion.

Front

How can human activity affect erosion?

Back

Human activities like deforestation, construction, and agriculture can increase erosion by removing vegetation that holds soil in place.