Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
By: Minji
Weathering
Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks. There are 2 types of weathering, chemical and mechanical weathering.
The process by which rocks break down as a result of chemical reactions is called chemical weathering. Common agents of chemical weathering are water, weak acids, and air.
WATER
Water can dissolve the chemicals that builds up the rocks.
AIR
The oxygen is can react with many metals, this is oxidation. Rust is an example of oxidation.
ACIDS
Acids is another agent. Acids can come from ground water, preticipation, and living things.
Mechanical weathering is when rocks are broken down in physical means. This process usually happens near the surface of the planet. Temperature also affects the land. The cool nights and hot days always cause things to expand and contract. That movement can cause rocks to crack and break apart. There are 4 agents of weathering ice, abrasion, plant growth, and animals.
ICE
Water can get into cracks, and freeze, then expands, and make a larger crack.
ABRAISON
Abrasion is when rocks hit each other, and cause it to break. Water, wind, and gravity can cause abrasion by causing rocks to hit other rocks.
PLANTS
Plants cause weathering by growing roots, and can cause cracks wick make them bigger.
ANIMALS
animals can dig and expose rocks.
Erosion
GRAVITY
Gravity causes erosion by pulling dirt, rocks, and soil downward.
Agents of Erosion
Water
Ice
Wind
Deposition
Deposition is when sediments settle down. Some examples of river and stream deposition are deltas, alluvial fan, and a flood plain.
DELTA
When the river enters the ocean, it deposits its sediments.
ALLUVIAL FAN
It's similar to a delta, but instead of a river or stream's load depositing onto water, an alluvial fan is deposited on land.
FLOOD PLAIN
A river or a stream floods and area of land.