Scope Assessment: Slow Changes to Earth’s Surface

A student put some clean rocks in a jar. The jar was filled with clean water and covered with a lid. Then, the student shook the jar for 5 minutes. Other students noticed that small pieces of rocks had been detached and that there was fine sand at the bottom of the jar. What change in the surface of Earth was the student modeling?

• The formation of sand dunes

• The effects of weathering

• The formation of deltas

• Sediment erosion

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

• Erosion breaks apart rock particles, and weathering moves them.

• Weathering breaks apart rock particles, and erosion moves them.

• Weathering takes place only in harsh climates, such as deserts, and erosion takes place in moderate climates, such as forests.

• Erosion takes place only in harsh climates, such as deserts, and weathering takes place in moderate climates, such as forests.

Some students set up the model shown below to investigate changes to Earth’s surface. The model can be used to show how–

• ocean waves affect beaches.

• glaciers form deep valleys.

• flowing rivers cause erosion.

• wind creates sand dunes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

All of the following are examples of erosion EXCEPT–

• A. sand is dropped to create a new landform.

• B. a river forms a canyon by sediment being carried away.

• C. a valley is carved by a glacier when rocks are moved from one place to another.

• D. strong waters wash away a riverbank.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

In a river, sediments often stop at the mouth of a river where a delta forms. Why does the sediment get deposited at the mouth of the river?

• That is the location of many dams that block the sediment.

• The colder ocean water pushes the sediment away.

• Animals are often at the mouth of the river and cause the sediment to stop.

• The water from the river slows down, allowing the sediment to stop.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the missing necessary condition for the formation of sand dunes?

• Wind or breeze to move the grains of sand

• Presence of dense vegetation

• High rainfall throughout the year

• Extremely cold temperatures

Read the descriptions of some processes that can change Earth's surface. Which number best describes the process of weathering?

• 1. It is the movement of sediment. Water, wind, and ice slowly carry away soil.

• 2. It spreads lava and ash in a wide area. It builds new land as it cools.

• 3. Sediments are dropped in a new location. Water, wind, and ice can be part of the process.

• 4. It is the breaking down of rock by water, wind, and ice. It causes landforms to change shape.