Question

Weathering and Erosion




The earth is always changing. Even mountains, valleys, and shores change. Wind, water, and chemicals make these changes happen. This is called weathering and erosion.



Weathering is when things break down. This can happen to rocks and soil. It can happen to other things too.



Ocean waves can weather rocks nearby. When the waves hit the rocks, they slowly break down the rocks. Water turning into ice can also make weathering happen. Ice grows bigger and can make rocks crack.



Erosion is when broken down things get moved away. For example, a river may move soil from one place to another. Or, wind may pick up pieces of rock and move them.



The Grand Canyon was made because of erosion. Erosion can also be dangerous. It can cause mudslides.



Weathering and erosion are a big part of why our Earth is always changing. It is important to understand them.


Scroll Down

Questions
How are weathering and erosion the same? How are they different?
Type your answer here.
Word Count: 0

Submit

Answer 1

Similarities:
- Both change the Earth’s surface.
- Both are caused by the same agents (wind, water, ice, and chemicals).

Differences:
- Weathering breaks rocks and soil into smaller pieces (no large-scale movement). Example: waves hitting rock or ice expanding in cracks.
- Erosion moves those broken pieces from one place to another. Example: a river carrying soil downstream or wind blowing sand.
- Usually weathering happens first (breaks things apart), then erosion transports the pieces.