Mrs. Fusaro Fourth Grade Science

Mechanical Weathering Mechanical weathering is a destructive force in which larger rocks are broken down into smaller pieces of rock, called sediments. Agents of mechanical weathering include: Ice Water Wind Plant roots Burrowing animals Heating and cooling

Chemical Weathering Chemical weathering is a destructive force in which rocks are changed into other materials as they are broken down. Water is the main factor that causes chemical weathering. Water can dissolve some minerals that make up rocks, which forms caves. Moss and lichen growing on rocks are also examples of chemical weathering.

Erosion Erosion is the destructive force in which sediment is moved by water, wind, or moving ice. A common agent of erosion is water moving down a river. Gravity can also cause erosion.

Directions In this activity, you will be shown a picture with a short description. Then, you will have to decide if the picture is an example of mechanical weathering, chemical weathering, or erosion. In this picture, water has seeped into cracks in the rock, frozen, and expanded to break the rock. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is mechanical weathering because the rock does not change into a new substance, and it is not being moved. Move on to question 1!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 1 In this picture, the flowing water is carrying sediments down the hillside. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is erosion because sediments are being moved to a new place. Move on to question 2!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 2 In this picture, the tree roots are growing through the rock, causing it to break down into sediments. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is mechanical weathering because the rock does not change into a new substance, and it is not being moved. Move on to question 3!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 3 The cave in this picture is formed when acidic water seeps underground and dissolves limestone and other rocks below the surface. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is chemical weathering because the rock is changing into other materials. Move on to question 4!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 4 As the glacier in this picture moves across the land it picks up sediments and carries them as it continues on its path. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is erosion because sediments are being moved to a new place. Move on to question 5!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 5 The moss and lichen in this picture create an acid which breaks down the rock that they are growing on. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is chemical weathering because the rock is changing into other materials. Move on to question 6!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 6 The rocks in this picture have been worn down over time as wind has blown sand against the rock, causing parts of it to become smooth while other parts became jagged. This is called abrasion. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is mechanical weathering because the rock does not change into a new substance, and it is not being moved. Move on to question 7!

Incorrect. Try again.

Question 7 In this picture the wind is picking up sediments and carrying them to a new location. This is an example of: Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Erosion A B C

Correct! This is erosion because sediments are being moved to a new place. You have finished the game! Click below to go to the resources slide.

Incorrect. Try again.

Resources Information: Houghton Mifflin Science Earth Science Unit C: Earth Systems Photographs: _71562.jpg _71562.jpg