Erosion
By Wind, Water or Other Natural Agents
What is it?
Erosion is a process in which dirt and small parts of rock are carried away. A process is something that happens in steps. Wind, water or other natural agents cause erosion. People can speed this process by their actions.
What Does It Do?
According to National Geographic, erosion chisels, polishes and buffs the earth's surface into ever changing works of art. Weathering and erosion work together to shape the earth. Weathering breaks down the rock and soil and erosion carries it away. The most famous example of erosion is the Grand Canyon. Over thousands of years, erosion carved out the canyon. This landmark shows three of the four geologic eras. We will learn more about these in a webquest next week.
Some Examples of Earth Shapers
Beach eroded by wave action (water).
Wind has eroded this rock in Arizona.
Sheet-and-rill erosion caused by a lack of plant life. (Roots hold the soil in place.)
Click on the link above to learn more about erosion and get the instructions for our experiment on erosion. Remember to make a prediction in your science journal before you begin.