Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and other materials on Earth's surface.

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 deposition?

Back

Deposition is the process where materials carried by erosion are dropped off in a new location, forming new landforms.

Front

What is a glacier?

Back

A glacier is an enormous mass of ice that moves over land, causing weathering of rock and soil.

Front

How do plants contribute to weathering?

Back

Plants weather rocks when their roots grow into cracks of rocks and expand, causing the rock to break.

Front

What role does freezing water play in weathering?

Back

Freezing water causes weathering by expanding in cracks of rocks, which can break the rocks apart.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of erosion?

Back

Muddy water being carried away by a fast-moving river is an example of erosion.

Front

What is an example of deposition?

Back

Sand being dropped off at the mouth of a river, forming a delta, is an example of deposition.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

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