Weathering
In geology a similar word is used but it has a very different meaning. Weathering is geology means physical and chemical processes that break rocks down. Rocks do not last forever...because weathering breaks them down into smaller pieces.
Physical Weathering
Chemical Weathering
Watch this YouTube video for a better explanation of weathering and erosion:
Physical Weathering
- Temperature Change
- The action of Water and Ice
- Crystallisation of salts
- Wind
- Living Plants
Chemical Weathering
- Gases
- Acids
- Water
Watch this YouTube video for a better explanation of weathering and erosion:
Erosion
What is Erosion?
Erosion is the wearing away of the land by forces such as water, wind, and ice. Erosion has helped to form many interesting features of the Earth's surface including mountain peaks, valleys, and coastlines.
Erosion by Water
Water is the main cause of erosion on Earth. Although water may not seem powerful at first, it is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. Here are some of the ways that water causes erosion:
Erosion by Wind
Wind is a major type of erosion, especially in dry areas. Wind can erode by picking up and carrying loose particles and dust away (called deflation). It can also erode when these flying particles strike the land and break off more particles (called abrasion).
Erosion by Glaciers
Glaciers are giant rivers of ice that slowly move carving out valleys and shaping mountains.
Other Forces
Interesting Facts about Erosion
WATCH 25 OF THE STRANGEST GEOLOGICAL FORMATION ON EARTH TO SEE WHAT EROSION CAN REALLY DO!
Erosion is the wearing away of the land by forces such as water, wind, and ice. Erosion has helped to form many interesting features of the Earth's surface including mountain peaks, valleys, and coastlines.
Erosion by Water
Water is the main cause of erosion on Earth. Although water may not seem powerful at first, it is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. Here are some of the ways that water causes erosion:
- Rainfall - Rainfall can cause erosion both when the rain hits the surface of the Earth, called splash erosion, and when raindrops accumulate and flow like small streams.
- Rivers - Rivers can create a significant amount of erosion over time. They break up particles along the river bottom and carry them downstream. One example of river erosion is the Grand Canyon which was formed by the Colorado River.
- Waves - Ocean waves can cause the coastline to erode. The shear energy and force of the waves causes pieces of rock and coastline to break off changing the coastline over time.
- Floods - Large floods can cause erosion to happen very quickly acting like powerful rivers.
Erosion by Wind
Wind is a major type of erosion, especially in dry areas. Wind can erode by picking up and carrying loose particles and dust away (called deflation). It can also erode when these flying particles strike the land and break off more particles (called abrasion).
Erosion by Glaciers
Glaciers are giant rivers of ice that slowly move carving out valleys and shaping mountains.
Other Forces
- Living organisms - Small animals, insects, and worms can add to erosion by breaking up the soil so it is easier for the wind and water to carry away.
- Gravity - The force of gravity can cause erosion by pulling rocks and other particles down the side of a mountain or cliff. Gravity can cause landslides which can significantly erode an area.
- Temperature - Changes in temperature caused by the Sun heating up a rock can cause the rock to expand and crack. This can cause pieces to break off over time and lead to erosion.
Interesting Facts about Erosion
- The word erosion comes from the Latin word "erosionem" which means "a gnawing away."
- Scientists estimate that the Colorado River has been eroding the Grand Canyon for many millions of years.
- Wind erosion can cause huge dust storms.
- The fastest glacier ever moved over seven miles in three months.
- Fossils in sedimentary rock are often uncovered by erosion.
WATCH 25 OF THE STRANGEST GEOLOGICAL FORMATION ON EARTH TO SEE WHAT EROSION CAN REALLY DO!
ACTIVITY
1- Look for examples of weathering around your home or local area. Write a description of the changes you see in the material that was weathered?
2- Explain how the rock stacks in the picture below were formed?
2- Explain how the rock stacks in the picture below were formed?
The Twelve Apostles in Victoria show the effects of weathering by wave action.
All will eventually fall into the sea.
Weathering will also cause new ones to form.
All will eventually fall into the sea.
Weathering will also cause new ones to form.