Which statements about the cycle of weathering, erosion, and deposition are true? Check all that apply.

Question

Deposition leads to the breakdown of mountains.
Erosion occurs even when mountains are forming.
Gravity does not affect the rate of erosion.
When new mountains or plateaus form, the cycle starts over.
Weathering, erosion, and deposition have almost leveled Earth’s surface.

Answer 1

The true statements about the cycle of weathering, erosion, and deposition are:

1. Erosion occurs even when mountains are forming. - This is true, as erosion can take place alongside the uplift of mountains due to tectonic activity.

2. When new mountains or plateaus form, the cycle starts over. - This is also true, as the formation of new landforms leads to renewed weathering, erosion, and deposition processes.

3. Weathering, erosion, and deposition have almost leveled Earth’s surface. - This statement is generally considered true as these processes tend to wear down landforms over long periods.

The other statements are false:

1. Deposition leads to the breakdown of mountains. - This is misleading; while deposition can contribute to the leveling of landscapes, it does not directly lead to the breakdown of mountains.

2. Gravity does not affect the rate of erosion. - This is false; gravity is a significant force affecting the rate and processes of erosion, including mass wasting and the movement of sediments.