Weathering and Erosion Processes

Rocks do not last forever.

• Rocks can last for millions of years without breaking down.

• Rocks eventually break down and do not last forever.

• Rocks are indestructible and will last indefinitely.

• Rocks only break down under extreme conditions.

Weathering process.

• Weathering involves root-wedging and ice-wedging.

• Weathering is the process of soil formation.

• Weathering is caused solely by human activities.

• Weathering only occurs in tropical climates.

Repeated expansion and contraction.

• This process causes further cracks until the rock breaks apart.

• This process leads to the formation of new minerals.

• This process results in the rock becoming more compact.

• This process causes the rock to become smoother.

Mountains start as solid rock.

• Mountains begin as solid rock but break into smaller pieces over time.

• Mountains are formed from ice and snow.

• Mountains are created by volcanic activity only.

• Mountains are made entirely of sand and gravel.

Characteristics of rocks at the top of mountains

• Rocks at the tops of mountains are smooth.

• Rocks at the tops of mountains are jagged.

• Rocks at the tops of mountains are round.

• Rocks at the tops of mountains are soft.

Cracks widen with freezing water.

• As water freezes, cracks get wider and rocks break.

• Water expands when it freezes, causing cracks to close.

• Freezing water has no effect on cracks in rocks.

• Cracks remain the same size regardless of temperature.

Characteristics of rocks at the bottom of mountains

• Rocks at the bottom of mountains are sharp and jagged.

• Rocks at the bottom of mountains are flat and smooth.

• Rocks at the bottom of mountains are rounded.

• Rocks at the bottom of mountains are large and blocky.

Weathering vs. Erosion

• Weathering is the process of breaking large rocks into smaller rocks over time, while erosion is the movement of weathered rock and soil from one place to another.

• Weathering is the movement of soil and rocks from one location to another, while erosion is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces.

• Weathering and erosion are the same processes that involve the breaking down of rocks.

• Erosion is the process of breaking large rocks into smaller rocks, while weathering is the movement of these rocks.

Difference in rocks on a mountain

• Rocks on a mountain are the same at the top and bottom.

• Rocks on a mountain are different at the top and bottom.

• Rocks on a mountain are only found at the bottom.

• Rocks on a mountain are only found at the top.

Ice thaws and contracts.

• Ice thaws, contracts, and water seeps deeper into cracks.

• Ice melts and expands.

• Ice remains the same size when it thaws.

• Ice turns into steam when heated.