Weathering, Erosion, Deposition Intro Notes

Physical Weathering Weathering is the breakdown of rock or soil. Physical weathering occurs when natural forces, such as wind, running water, and moving ice, physically break up rock and soil into smaller particles. For example, large moving masses of ice called glaciers grind rock up as they slowly slide across it. Physical Weathering

Chemical weathering occurs when rock and soil break down as a result of chemical reactions. For example, slightly acidic groundwater reacts with limestone to break the rock down, leaving holes in the rock. Chemical Weathering

Over long periods of time, biological activity within some weathered materials produces new soils. Other weathered materials are removed by natural forces and transported to new locations, where they eventually form new landforms or become sedimentary rock. Weathering

Erosion

Erosion is the transport of weathered materials from one place to another by natural forces. For example, the force of running water in a river picks up weathered sediment and carries it downstream. Very often, a natural force both weathers and erodes the same rock or soil. Erosion

Deposition

Deposition occurs when natural forces lay eroded sediment down in new places. For example, desert winds that weather and erode sand from one place will deposit it to form sand dunes in another place. Deposition

Processes in the Rock Cycle

Rock Cycle and Processes The rock cycle would not function without the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition. All three of the major types of rock are broken down by weathering, carried away by erosion, and dropped in new locations by deposition. The result is that sediment eventually build up at certain locations, and is ready for form new rock. Rock Cycle and Processes

Please Remember that you have a Test on the Earth’s Layers, Rock Cycle, and these Notes on Friday! The End!