1. Earth Boot Camp #1
5.7B
Recognize how landforms such as deltas, canyons, and sand dunes are the result of changes to Earth’s surface by wind, water, and ice.

2. STAAR 2013 #20; RC3; Readiness
1. Glaciers are masses of ice that move slowly on land. Which of these features was most likely formed by a glacier?
F. A wide valley
G. A deep ocean
H. A lava flow
J. A mountain range

3. STAAR 2013 #20; RC3; Readiness
1. Glaciers are masses of ice that move slowly on land. Which of these features was most likely formed by a glacier?
F. A wide valley
G. A deep ocean
H. A lava flow
J. A mountain range

4. 2. Most canyons are the result of erosion caused by —
A a river
B a volcano
C a hurricane
D an earthquake

5. 2. Most canyons are the result of erosion caused by —
A a river
B a volcano
C a hurricane
D an earthquake

6. TAKS Study Guide, #22
3. Which landform was most likely made by the process of depositing sediments?
A C
B D

7. TAKS Study Guide, #22
3. Which landform was most likely made by the process of depositing sediments?
A C
B D

8. A Glaciers move through the cavern and deposit weathered limestone.
TAKS Study Guide, #23
4. A stalactite is a feature that hangs like an icicle from the roof of a cavern. How do stalactites in limestone caverns most likely form?
A Glaciers move through the cavern and deposit weathered limestone.
B Wind flows through cracks in the roof and erodes some of the limestone.
C An underground river flows through the cavern and dissolves some of the limestone.
D Groundwater drips through cracks in the roof and deposits limestone over time.

9. A Glaciers move through the cavern and deposit weathered limestone.
TAKS Study Guide, #23
4. A stalactite is a feature that hangs like an icicle from the roof of a cavern. How do stalactites in limestone caverns most likely form?
A Glaciers move through the cavern and deposit weathered limestone.
B Wind flows through cracks in the roof and erodes some of the limestone.
C An underground river flows through the cavern and dissolves some of the limestone.
D Groundwater drips through cracks in the roof and deposits limestone over time.

10. TAKS Study Guide, #24
5. A student placed some clean rocks in a clear plastic jar. The jar was filled with clean water and covered with a lid. Then the student shook the jar for five minutes. The student noted that smaller pieces had broken off some of the rocks and that there was a fine grit on the bottom of the jar. Which change of Earth’s surface was the student modeling?
A Physical weathering
B Chemical weathering
C Erosion of sediments
D Forming deltas

11. TAKS Study Guide, #24
5. A student placed some clean rocks in a clear plastic jar. The jar was filled with clean water and covered with a lid. Then the student shook the jar for five minutes. The student noted that smaller pieces had broken off some of the rocks and that there was a fine grit on the bottom of the jar. Which change of Earth’s surface was the student modeling?
A Physical weathering
B Chemical weathering
C Erosion of sediments
D Forming deltas

12. A carrying sediment away from the hills
TAKS Study Guide, #35
6. The rivers in the drawing have helped change the shape of the nearby hills by —
A carrying sediment away from the hills
B depositing rock near the top of the hills
C bringing water to the glacier that moves over the hills
D forming faults in the hills where earthquakes can occur

13. A carrying sediment away from the hills
TAKS Study Guide, #35
6. The rivers in the drawing have helped change the shape of the nearby hills by —
A carrying sediment away from the hills
B depositing rock near the top of the hills
C bringing water to the glacier that moves over the hills
D forming faults in the hills where earthquakes can occur

14. 2003—#12 (49%)
7. The prairie is ideal for the growth of grasses because it has rich topsoil. All of these processes help form topsoil EXCEPT —
F decay of trees
G weathering of rocks
H erosion of hills
J movement of oceans

15. 2003—#12 (49%)
7. The prairie is ideal for the growth of grasses because it has rich topsoil. All of these processes help form topsoil EXCEPT —
F decay of trees
G weathering of rocks
H erosion of hills
J movement of oceans

16. 2003—#24 (55%)
8. Which experiment would best show how different methods of plowing fields on a hill affect erosion?
A C
B D

17. 2003—#24 (55%)
8. Which experiment would best show how different methods of plowing fields on a hill affect erosion?
A C
B D

18. J Earth’s magnetic field
2006—#34 (85%)
9. Which of these can cause sharp, rough mountains to become rounded and smooth over time?
F Wind and rain
G The sun’s rays
H Light and darkness
J Earth’s magnetic field

19. J Earth’s magnetic field
2006—#34 (85%)
9. Which of these can cause sharp, rough mountains to become rounded and smooth over time?
F Wind and rain
G The sun’s rays
H Light and darkness
J Earth’s magnetic field

20. 2009—#23 (77%)
10. The Davis Mountains in West Texas used to be taller than they are now. Which of the following conditions most likely caused the mountains to become shorter over time?
A Heat and pressure
B Soil deposition
C Rain and wind
D River formation

21. 2009—#23 (77%)
10. The Davis Mountains in West Texas used to be taller than they are now. Which of the following conditions most likely caused the mountains to become shorter over time?
A Heat and pressure
B Soil deposition
C Rain and wind
D River formation

22. A river delta is an area where sediments are deposited.
2011—STAAR™ Released Test Questions, #9
A river delta is an area where sediments are deposited.
11. The sediments in the river delta shown above most likely come from the—
A mountain range
B desert
C ocean floor
D coastline

23. A river delta is an area where sediments are deposited.
2011—STAAR™ Released Test Questions, #9
A river delta is an area where sediments are deposited.
11. The sediments in the river delta shown above most likely come from the—
A mountain range
B desert
C ocean floor
D coastline

24. 12. Which of the following constructive forces will produce a new landform in the shortest amount of time?
A Deposition of ocean sediment
B Deposition of river sediment
C Volcanic eruptions along plates
D Plate pressure causing uplift

25. 12. Which of the following constructive forces will produce a new landform in the shortest amount of time?
A Deposition of ocean sediment
B Deposition of river sediment
C Volcanic eruptions along plates
D Plate pressure causing uplift

26. 13. The sides of the Grand Canyon show many different layers of rock
13. The sides of the Grand Canyon show many different layers of rock. Which statement describes how the Grand Canyon was formed?
The canyon has a waterfall.
Big rainstorms washed rocks out of the canyon.
A flowing river cut into rocks to form the canyon.
The canyon was formed from the uplifting of rock.

27. 13. The sides of the Grand Canyon show many different layers of rock
13. The sides of the Grand Canyon show many different layers of rock. Which statement describes how the Grand Canyon was formed?
The canyon has a waterfall.
Big rainstorms washed rocks out of the canyon.
A flowing river cut into rocks to form the canyon.
The canyon was formed from the uplifting of rock.
Why A, B, D are wrong:
Canyons are deep, narrow valleys and would not be formed from a waterfall.
Rainstorms provide the water that weathers the rock.
D. Uplifting of rock forms mountains.

28. 14. Which is an example of a feature on the Earth’s surface caused by the force of wind?
Limestone rocks
Sandbars
Limestone caves
Sand dunes

29. 14. Which is an example of a feature on the Earth’s surface caused by the force of wind?
Limestone rocks
Sandbars
Limestone caves
Sand dunes
Why A, B, C are wrong:
Limestone rocks are formed when layers of sediment are deposited.
Sandbars are formed on the ocean floor when waves move water over the sand.
Limestone caves are formed when water dissolves rock.

30. 15. Which process is NOT caused by the movement of Earth's plates?
A. Ocean island formation
B. Weathering
C. Mountain building
D. Volcanic eruption

31. 15. Which process is NOT caused by the movement of Earth's plates?
A. Ocean island formation
B. Weathering
C. Mountain building
D. Volcanic eruption
**Ocean island formation, mountain building and volcanic eruptions are all caused by the movement of the Earth’s plates.

32. 16. People living on the Texas Gulf Coast have to place stone barriers along the shoreline to prevent wearing away of coastal land by wave action. This process is called:
A. Erosion
B. Weathering
C. Plate tectonics
D. Deposition

33. A. Erosion B. Weathering C. Plate tectonics D. Deposition
16. People living on the Texas Gulf Coast have to place stone barriers along the shoreline to prevent wearing away of coastal land by wave action. This process is called:
A. Erosion
B. Weathering
C. Plate tectonics
D. Deposition
Why B, C, D are wrong:
B. Weathering is the breaking down of rock into smaller particles.
C. Plate tectonics is a theory that explains the movements of the Earth’s plates.
D. Deposition is the process of depositing sediment in a new location.

34. 17. Names and dates on cemetery tombstones are often worn away by the constant exposure to wind, rain and frost. This process is known as:
A. Erosion
B. Frost action
C. Volcanic action
D. Weathering

35. A. Erosion B. Frost action C. Volcanic action D. Weathering
17. Names and dates on cemetery tombstones are often worn away by the constant exposure to wind, rain and frost. This process is known as:
A. Erosion
B. Frost action
C. Volcanic action
D. Weathering
Why A, B, C are wrong:
Erosion is the process of moving sediment from one place to another.
Frost action is the repeated freezing and thawing of water in cracks in rocks.
Volcanic action results in the formation of igneous rock.

36. Mountains Volcanoes C. Valleys D. Glaciers
18. Rivers running quickly through the same area for millions of years would likely form:
Mountains
Volcanoes
C. Valleys
D. Glaciers

37. 18. Rivers running quickly through the same area for millions of years would likely form:
Mountains
Volcanoes
C. Valleys
D. Glaciers
Why A, B, D are wrong:
Mountains are formed from the uplifting of rock.
Volcanoes are formed from molten rock.
D. Glaciers are formed by ice.

38. 19. Two students noticed cracks on the school’s outside basketball court. Which process can the students conclude caused the cracks?
Erosion
Weathering
Deposition
Wind

39. 19. Two students noticed cracks on the school’s outside basketball court. Which process can the students conclude caused the cracks?
The cement of the basketball court is broken down into soil, sand, and other small particles by the process of weathering.
Erosion
Weathering
Deposition
Wind
Why A, C, D are wrong:
A. Erosion is the process of moving particles from one place to another.
C. Deposition is the process in which sediments are dropped from one place to another.
D. Wind is a force that produces weathering or erosion.

40. 20. The sand dune in the picture above was formed as a result of –
wind erosion.
animal movement.
mass movement.
volcanic eruption.

41. 20. The sand dune in the picture above was formed as a result of –
wind erosion.
animal movement.
mass movement.
volcanic eruption.
Wind erosion can blow sand into large mounds called dunes.
Why B, C, D are wrong:
Animals disperse sediments through an area as they travel.
Mass movement occurs as a result of gravity pulling rocks and soil downward.
A Volcanic eruption deposit s lava and ash that hardens into rock, not sand.

42. 21. Which of the following landforms is a result of deposition?
A C
B D

43. 21. Which of the following landforms is a result of deposition?
A C
B D
A sea cave is formed after soft rock is eroded by ocean waves.
Cliffs are formed by weathering of rock due to wind erosion and rain.
Arches are formed by weathering away of rock.
A beach shore is formed as waves deposit sand and ocean sediments onto the land.

44. 22. This diagram shows a profile of soil layers
22. This diagram shows a profile of soil layers. Which layer of soil would be affected the most by weathering and erosion? 1 2 3 4

45. 22. This diagram shows a profile of soil layers
22. This diagram shows a profile of soil layers. Which layer of soil would be affected the most by weathering and erosion? 1 2 3 4
Layer 1 is the top layer of soil is exposed to wind, rain, flooding, and ice or snow. It will be the layer most affected by the agents of weathering and erosion.
Layers 2-4 are all below the surface of the Earth. They are not as readily affected by wind, ran, flooding, ice or snow.

46. A. A, B, C, D B. D, B, C, A C. B, C, D, A D. C, D, B, A
23. Wave action against solid rock can cause changes in the rock structure. Which sequence of pictures shows the stages of erosion?
Top of arch collapses
Formation of an arch
A. A, B, C, D B. D, B, C, A C. B, C, D, A D. C, D, B, A
Formation of a cave
Solid rock structure

47. A. A, B, C, D B. D, B, C, A C. B, C, D, A D. C, D, B, A
23. Wave action against solid rock can cause changes in the rock structure. Which sequence of pictures shows the stages of erosion?
A. A, B, C, D B. D, B, C, A C. B, C, D, A D. C, D, B, A
Top of arch collapses
Formation of an arch
Wave action has changed the rock structure by wearing away the softer rock particles. The diagrams are arranged in order:
-a solid rock structure
-beginnings of a cave
-development of an arch from the cave
-wearing away of the top of the arch.
Formation of a cave
Solid rock structure

48. 24. When the ocean waves hit shore, the land is affected
24. When the ocean waves hit shore, the land is affected. If the shore is rock which of the following would you expect to see? A. Erosion B. Deposition C. Earthquake D. Dunes

49. 24. When the ocean waves hit shore, the land is affected
24. When the ocean waves hit shore, the land is affected. If the shore is rock which of the following would you expect to see? A. Erosion B. Deposition C. Earthquake D. Dunes
Erosion occurs when the water hits the rocks and carries off pieces of rock

50. 25. When the ocean strikes the land different landforms can form
25. When the ocean strikes the land different landforms can form. Which of the following would NOT be a landform you would expect to find?
A. Beaches
B. Valleys
C. Mountains
D. Craters

51. 25. When the ocean strikes the land different landforms can form
25. When the ocean strikes the land different landforms can form. Which of the following would NOT be a landform you would expect to find?
A. Beaches
B. Valleys
C. Mountains
D. Craters
Mountains will not form when oceans strike the land. Mountains form by the movement of the earth’s plates or volcanoes.

52. 26. A slow moving stream will probably deposit the most sediment where the stream bed is—
A narrow and steep
B narrow and level
C wide and level
D wide and steep

53. 26. A slow moving stream will probably deposit the most sediment where the stream bed is—
A narrow and steep
B narrow and level
C wide and level
D wide and steep

54. 27. Freeport, Texas, is built on a growing delta at the mouth of the Brazos River. The land on which Freeport is built continues to grow because— A the ocean waves cause weathering on the delta B the Brazos River is eroding sediments from the delta C the Brazos River is depositing sediments on the delta D the ocean is depositing sediments on the delta

55. 27. Freeport, Texas, is built on a growing delta at the mouth of the Brazos River. The land on which Freeport is built continues to grow because— A the ocean waves cause weathering on the delta B the Brazos River is eroding sediments from the delta C the Brazos River is depositing sediments on the delta D the ocean is depositing sediments on the delta

56. 28. Which landform might be created by the action of folding and pushing together of the Earth’s crust? A A river B A plain C A mountain D A plateau

57. 28. Which landform might be created by the action of folding and pushing together of the Earth’s crust? A A river B A plain C A mountain D A plateau

58. 29. Which of the following is a result of erosion over a long period of time? A The creation of a deep valley B The formation of a thick glacier C The creation of a hill or mountain D The formation of a river delta

59. 29. Which of the following is a result of erosion over a long period of time? A The creation of a deep valley B The formation of a thick glacier C The creation of a hill or mountain D The formation of a river delta

60. 30. In which of the following areas might rich fertile soils affected by river deposition be found? A On a desert plain B On a rocky plateau C In a limestone cave D In a river valley

61. 30. In which of the following areas might rich fertile soils be affected by river deposition be found? A On a desert plain B On a rocky plateau C In a limestone cave D In a river valley

62. 31. Which statement best describes how canyons like the Grand Canyon are formed? A Most canyons are formed from falling water. B Big rainstorms wash rocks out of the canyon. C Flowing rivers cut into riverbanks to form canyons. D Canyons are formed from big rocks that come from other places.

63. 31. Which statement best describes how canyons like the Grand Canyon are formed? A Most canyons are formed from falling water. B Big rainstorms wash rocks out of the canyon. C Flowing rivers cut into riverbanks to form canyons. D Canyons are formed from big rocks that come from other places.

64. 32. Which of the following is a constructive result of weathering and erosion? A River deltas are filled with sediments. B New soil and landforms are created. C Rich topsoil is blown or washed away. D Rocks are turned into sandpaper.

65. 32. Which of the following is a constructive result of weathering and erosion? A River deltas are filled with sediments. B New soil and landforms are created. C Rich topsoil is blown or washed away. D Rocks are turned into sandpaper.

66. 33. Which of the following would probably change the surface of the Earth in the shortest amount of time? A A massive hurricane B A volcanic eruption C Waves on a beach D A large tornado

67. 33. Which of the following would probably change the surface of the Earth in the shortest amount of time? A A massive hurricane B A volcanic eruption C Waves on a beach D A large tornado

68. 34. Which of the following is a constructive force that changes the surface of the Earth over time? A Deposition B Earthquakes C Tidal waves D Weathering

69. 34. Which of the following is a constructive force (build up) that changes the surface of the Earth over time? A Deposition B Earthquakes C Tidal waves D Weathering

70. 35. For millions of years, wind and water have weathered the surface of the Earth and worn rocks into sediments. Why is the surface of the Earth NOT totally level after all of this weathering? A Constructive forces build up the land. B Wind and rain cannot affect solid rock. C Wind and rain pile dirt into mounds. D Droughts keep the Earth from becoming flat.

71. 35. For millions of years, wind and water have weathered the surface of the Earth and worn rocks into sediments. Why is the surface of the Earth NOT totally level after all of this weathering? A Constructive forces build up the land. B Wind and rain cannot affect solid rock. C Wind and rain pile dirt into mounds. D Droughts keep the Earth from becoming flat.

72. 36. Which of the following landforms was NOT formed by erosion from rivers or glaciers? A A canyon B A mountain C A valley D A river delta

73. 36. Which of the following landforms was NOT formed by erosion from rivers or glaciers? A A canyon B A mountain (from earthquakes/plate movement) C A valley D A river delta

74. 37. Which of the following landforms is formed mostly by erosion. A
37. Which of the following landforms is formed mostly by erosion? A Delta B Glacier C Mountain D Valley

75. 37. Which of the following landforms is formed mostly by erosion. A
37. Which of the following landforms is formed mostly by erosion? A Delta B Glacier C Mountain D Valley

76. 38. Sand dunes like the ones pictured above are most likely caused by — A rain B glaciers C streams D wind

77. 38. Sand dunes like the ones pictured above are most likely caused by — A rain B glaciers C streams D wind

78. 39. What are Earth’s surface features called. A. Rocks B. Continents C
39. What are Earth’s surface features called? A Rocks B Continents C Landforms D Earthquakes

79. 39. What are Earth’s surface features called. A. Rocks B. Continents C
39. What are Earth’s surface features called? A Rocks B Continents C Landforms D Earthquakes

80. The diagram below shows a river flowing through a valley. 40
The diagram below shows a river flowing through a valley Which of the following processes most likely caused the river valley to form? A Evaporation B Erosion C Deposition D Condensation

81. The diagram below shows a river flowing through a valley. 40
The diagram below shows a river flowing through a valley Which of the following processes most likely caused the river valley to form? A Evaporation B Erosion C Deposition D Condensation

82. 41. What most likely caused these mountains to have a rough surface. A
41. What most likely caused these mountains to have a rough surface? A Sunlight heated the surface and the rocks cracked. B Rocks were weathered and then eroded. C Seasons have gotten warmer over the years. D At one time ocean waves crashed against the mountains.

83. 41. What most likely caused these mountains to have a rough surface. A
41. What most likely caused these mountains to have a rough surface? A Sunlight heated the surface and the rocks cracked. B Rocks were weathered and then eroded. C Seasons have gotten warmer over the years. D At one time ocean waves crashed against the mountains.

84. 42. Which landforms can result when running water such as a river erodes sediments from an area? A Mountains and volcanoes B Valleys and canyons C Plains and mountains D Deltas and caves

85. 42. Which landforms can result when running water such as a river erodes sediments from an area? A Mountains and volcanoes B Valleys and canyons C Plains and mountains D Deltas and caves

86. 43. Which of the following processes is MOST responsible for the formation of the Grand Canyon? A Scouring by continental glaciers B Erosion and weathering by wind and water C Eruptions of explosive volcanoes D Cracking of Earth’s crust by earthquakes

87. 43. Which of the following processes is MOST responsible for the formation of the Grand Canyon? A Scouring by continental glaciers B Erosion and weathering by wind and water C Eruptions of explosive volcanoes D Cracking of Earth’s crust by earthquakes

88. 44. All of the following are ways in which Earth’s landforms, or physical features can be changed EXCEPT— A Glaciers scraping over mountains and hills B Rain washing away mud from cliffs and hillsides C Animals migrating across the hills and plains D Rivers weathering and eroding rocks and sediments

89. 44. All of the following are ways in which Earth’s landforms, or physical features can be changed EXCEPT— A Glaciers scraping over mountains and hills B Rain washing away mud from cliffs and hillsides C Animals migrating across the hills and plains D Rivers weathering and eroding rocks and sediments

90. 45. What is one way that ocean currents affect the land
45. What is one way that ocean currents affect the land? Ocean currents— A create mountains and valleys on the land B cause weathering, deposition, and erosion C cause temperatures to be lower on land D cause ships to roll in high waves

91. 45. What is one way that ocean currents affect the land
45. What is one way that ocean currents affect the land? Ocean currents— A create mountains and valleys on the land B cause weathering, deposition, and erosion C cause temperatures to be lower on land D cause ships to roll in high waves

92. 46. The movement of sand along the beach and the erosion of rock on the shore are the direct result of – A environmental pollution B river flooding C glacial deposition D wave action

93. 46. The movement of sand along the beach and the erosion of rock on the shore are the direct result of – A environmental pollution B river flooding C glacial deposition D wave action

94. 47. Why are rocks and pebbles found in a river usually smooth. A
47. Why are rocks and pebbles found in a river usually smooth? A The rocks and pebbles found in rivers are not very old and are still very smooth. B The flowing river water makes the rocks and pebbles rub against each other. C Rough rocks and pebbles would stop the flow of the river, so they must be smooth. D Fish and other animals nest on the rocks and pebbles and make them smooth.

95. 47. Why are rocks and pebbles found in a river usually smooth. A
47. Why are rocks and pebbles found in a river usually smooth? A The rocks and pebbles found in rivers are not very old and are still very smooth. B The flowing river water makes the rocks and pebbles rub against each other. C Rough rocks and pebbles would stop the flow of the river, so they must be smooth. D Fish and other animals nest on the rocks and pebbles and make them smooth.

96. 48. The process of the ocean waves breaking down the seashore or beach is called— A erosion B deposition C weathering D sedimentation

97. 48. The process of the ocean waves breaking down the seashore or beach is called— A erosion B deposition C weathering D sedimentation

98. 49. Galveston Island is a barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Texas
49. Galveston Island is a barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Galveston Island was formed when – A ocean currents and waves deposited sand and debris near the Texas coast over thousands or millions of years B tropical storms eroded sand and debris from the Texas coast over several years during the early 1900s C a large hurricane deposited sand and debris near the Texas coast during the very early 1900s D ocean currents and waves deposited sand and debris near the Texas coast over dozens of years

99. 49. Galveston Island is a barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Texas
49. Galveston Island is a barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Galveston Island was formed when – A ocean currents and waves deposited sand and debris near the Texas coast over thousands or millions of years B tropical storms eroded sand and debris from the Texas coast over several years during the early 1900s C a large hurricane deposited sand and debris near the Texas coast during the very early 1900s D ocean currents and waves deposited sand and debris near the Texas coast over dozens of years

100. 50. What factor is most responsible for the formation of sand dunes along Galveston Bay’s shoreline? A Rain B Wind C Earthquakes D Glacial deposits

101. 50. What factor is most responsible for the formation of sand dunes along Galveston Bay’s shoreline? A Rain B Wind C Earthquakes D Glacial deposits