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Weathering is "in situ," meaning that it does not move. Essentially, it is the decomposition of rock material by either physical or chemical processes. Examples of physical weathering would include root-wedging, frost-wedging, abrasion, exerted pressure. Chemical weathering would include oxidation (for example, rust), hydration, etc. Erosion is the transportation of weathered material by glacier, water, or wind. ---- EROSION AND WEATHERING

The surface of the Earth can be changed through constructive processes, where surface features are being created, or destructive processes, where features are being broken down. As sediment is eroded and deposited it changes the Earth. For example, sediment is washed away from river banks, carried downstream, and deposited at the river mouth, creating a delta.

Weathering works in a similar way: Ice, wind, and water break down rock, changing its characteristics. Erupting volcanoes spew hot lava onto the surface of the Earth. New rock and land masses are formed as the lava cools. Hot lava also destroys existing rock with its extremely high temperatures.

Earthquakes and faults also change the outermost part of Earth. As friction builds up and gives way along a fault, earthquakes occur. This radiation of seismic waves shakes and destroys both natural and man-made landforms. Gravity also plays a part in shaping the pedosphere. The continuous downward pull causes rocks to tumble off mountains and geologic formations to crumble.

In addition to geologic processes, living organisms can also alter the surface of Earth. Animals such as beavers, termites, and woodpeckers can drastically change the terrain of an area.

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What is the best term that describes the processes of weathering and erosion?

The best term that describes the processes of weathering and erosion is "geomorphic processes." This term encompasses the physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth's surface through the breakdown and transportation of rocks and sediments.


Is rock flour a sign of weathering or erosion?

Rock flour is a product of both weathering and erosion processes. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles, while erosion transports these particles to another location. Rock flour is created when rocks are weathered into very fine particles, which are then transported by erosion processes such as glacial movement or river flow.


Is weathering and erosion synonyms?

Weathering and erosion are related processes, but they are not synonyms. Weathering refers to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface, while erosion involves the removal and transportation of these weathered materials by natural forces like wind, water, and ice.


How is erosion different from weathering, and what specific processes does erosion involve that weathering does not?

Erosion is the process of moving weathered material from one place to another, while weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals in place. Erosion involves transportation of the weathered material by agents like water, wind, or ice, which weathering does not.


Do weathering and erosion happen at the same time?

Weathering and erosion are related processes that often occur simultaneously. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion transports these pieces to a different location. Both processes work together to shape the Earth's surface over time.

Related Questions

What is the processes that shape earth's surface?

Erosion by weathering.


What processes aid in the formation of sediments?

Weathering and erosion


What processes can transform metamorphic rock into sediment?

weathering and erosion


What are the processes that break down rock at earths surface?

Weathering and erosion are the processes that break down rock at the Earth's surface. Weathering includes physical, chemical, and biological processes that break down rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion involves the movement of these weathered materials by water, wind, ice, or gravity.


What is the best term that describes the processes of weathering and erosion?

The best term that describes the processes of weathering and erosion is "geomorphic processes." This term encompasses the physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth's surface through the breakdown and transportation of rocks and sediments.


Can you say Weathering is the process of erosion or like erosion?

No. They are separate processes. Weathering -chemical and physical breaks down solid rock into smaller particles and prepares it for transportation or erosion.


Is rock flour a sign of weathering or erosion?

Rock flour is a product of both weathering and erosion processes. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles, while erosion transports these particles to another location. Rock flour is created when rocks are weathered into very fine particles, which are then transported by erosion processes such as glacial movement or river flow.


Is weathering and erosion synonyms?

Weathering and erosion are related processes, but they are not synonyms. Weathering refers to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface, while erosion involves the removal and transportation of these weathered materials by natural forces like wind, water, and ice.


How is erosion different from weathering, and what specific processes does erosion involve that weathering does not?

Erosion is the process of moving weathered material from one place to another, while weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals in place. Erosion involves transportation of the weathered material by agents like water, wind, or ice, which weathering does not.


What evidence is there that rocks dissolve?

weathering is the best evidence.all rocks break down when exposed to weathering processes such as erosion


Do weathering and erosion happen at the same time?

Weathering and erosion are related processes that often occur simultaneously. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion transports these pieces to a different location. Both processes work together to shape the Earth's surface over time.


What is sedimentaion?

When a naturally occurring material is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion.