7.3 Erosion and Weathering

Erosion

Erosion: The process that wears down and carries away rock and soil Erosion occurs by weathering, the force of gravity, the movement of streams, groundwater, glaciers, wind, and waves

Weathering

Mechanical Weathering: Physically breaking down rock into smaller pieces

  abrasion

Chemical Weathering: Rock being broken down by chemical reactions

  rusting

Mechanical Weathering

Chemical Weathering

The rate of weathering can change based on temperature, the availability of water, and the type of rock.

Rates of Weathering

The process of rock and soil moving downward because of gravity

Mass Movement

Landslides: Rapid movement of rock and soil

Mass Movement

Mudflows: Rapid movement of rock, soil and water

Mass Movement

Creep: Soil gradually moves down a slope

Mass Movement

Slumping: Rock and soil rapidly move as one unit

Mass Movement

Mass Movement

Deposition: The process in which sediment is put in new locations

 Streams o  Saltation: Moving sediment on the bottom of

the stream o  The speed of the stream will determine the

erosion rate

Shaping the Land

Deposition

V - Shaped Valleys: Near the source of water, from water travelling fast

Water Erosion and Deposition Formation

Flood Plains: Near the end of the stream, flat land near a stream that is covered with water during a flood

Water Erosion and Deposition Formation

Alluvial Fan: Grow from thick deposits of sediment

Water Erosion and Deposition Formation

Delta: A mass of sediment deposited where a river enters the ocean

Water Erosion and Deposition Formation

Stalactite: Water drips from the ceiling forming an icicle-like formation (They hold on tight!)

Stalagmite: Water drips on the floor creating a pillar of minerals

Erosion in Caves

Glacier Erosion: Glaciers move carrying sediment

Other Types of Erosion

Wind Erosion: Wind carries particles

Other Types of Erosion

Ocean Erosion: The ocean can erode coastlines and the ocean floor

Other Types of Erosion