Question

Changes to Earth's Surface
Three natural processes work together to change Earth’s surface. The table shows information about these processes.

Process Description Causes Example
Weathering Rocks and minerals being broken down by chemical or physical processes Water, wind, ice, and organisms
Chemical - Rain dissolving minerals in rocks

Physical - Plant roots growing in the crack of a rock, splitting the rock

Erosion Sediment being moved from one place to another Water, wind, ice, and gravity Small pieces of rock falling down a hill
Deposition Sediment being dropped in a new location Water, wind, and ice Sediment in a stream settling at the bottom
Resize Columns
Question 17.


Drag and drop the processes next to the example they are responsible for.


Question 18.



A student is studying a rock formation. Which two questions could the student answer to determine if the rocks underwent chemical weathering?


Do the rocks have cracks where water can freeze and thaw?


Do the rocks have cracks where plants are growing from?


Do the rocks have reddish-brown spots?


Do the rocks experience extreme heating and cooling?


Do the rocks have small holes all over their surface?



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Answer 1

Question 17 — Match examples to processes:
- Rain dissolving minerals in rocks → Weathering (chemical)
- Plant roots growing in cracks and splitting the rock → Weathering (physical)
- Small pieces of rock falling down a hill → Erosion
- Sediment in a stream settling at the bottom → Deposition

Question 18 — Two questions that indicate chemical weathering:
- Do the rocks have reddish-brown spots? (oxidation/rusting = chemical)
- Do the rocks have small holes all over their surface? (dissolution or chemical removal of minerals)