8.E.5A.1 Develop and use models to explain how the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition change surface features in the environment.
Weathering, Erosion, & DepositionEssential Knowledge Weathering, erosion, and deposition are processes that act together to wear down and builds up Earth's surface. These processes have occurred for billions of years. Weathering is any process that breaks down rocks and creates sediments. There are two forms of weathering, chemical and mechanical (physical). > Chemical weathering is decomposition of rock caused by chemical reactions resulting in formation of new compounds. > Mechanical (physical) weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces. > Erosion is the process by which natural forces move weathered rock and soil from one place to another. > Gravity, running water, glaciers, waves, and wind all cause erosion. The material moved by erosion is sediment. > Deposition occurs when the agents (wind or water) of erosion lay down sediment. > Deposition changes the shape of the land. Erosion, weathering, and deposition are at work everywhere on Earth. Gravity pulls everything toward the center of Earth causing rock and other materials to move downhill. Water’s movements (both on land and underground) cause weathering and erosion, which change the land’s surface features and create underground formations. The effects of these processes are as follows: > Changes in shape, size, and texture of landforms (i.e. mountains, riverbeds, and beaches). > Landslides > Buildings, statues, and roads wearing away. > Soil formation > Washes soil, pollutants, harmful sediments into waterways. > Causes metals to rust > Reduces beaches, shorelines. > Forms new landforms.
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