The Power of Erosion: Shaping the Face of the Planet

Erosion is a natural process where materials like rock and soil are worn away by elements such as water, wind, and glaciers. Water, in particular, plays a significant role in shaping the earth through various forms of erosion, including splash, sheet, and gully erosion. These processes can create significant landforms, such as the Badlands and the Grand Canyon, which was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

What is the primary cause of erosion as described in the introduction?

• Human activities

• Natural processes like wind and water

• Volcanic eruptions

• Animal movements

What type of erosion is caused by raindrops creating tiny craters?

• Gully erosion

• Sheet erosion

• Splash erosion

• Wind erosion

Which type of erosion involves water forming a runoff and carrying loose soil?

• Splash erosion

• Gully erosion

• Sheet erosion

• Glacial erosion

How was the Grand Canyon primarily formed?

• By wind erosion over millions of years

• By the Colorado River over five million years

• By volcanic activity

• By tectonic plate movements

What is a notable feature of the Badlands related to erosion?

• They are a result of tectonic shifts

• They were created by human excavation

• They were formed by volcanic eruptions

• They were shaped by gully erosion