What happens to the

Earth?

The study of Earth Erosion and Mechanical

and Chemical Weathering.

Words to know

dissolve - Verb: to break up or disintegrate.

debris - Noun: remains of something broken or
destroyed; waste, or garbage.
sediment - Noun: solid material transported and
deposited by water, ice, and wind.
erode - Verb :to wear away.

Weathering

Weathering is the process where surface rocks are

broken down and worn away or dissolved into smaller
pieces through mechanical or chemical process

Kinds of Weathering

Chemical
The breakdown of rock
into smaller particles by
changing its chemical
composition.
Ex: Water Dissolving
Limestone
Ex. Statue of Liberty
Rusting

Mechanical
The physical breakdown
of rock into smaller
particles without
changing its chemical
composition turning it
into sediment.
Ex: Rocks turning into
pebbles

Chemical or Mechanical?

Chemical or Mechanical?

Chemical or Mechanical?

Chemical or Mechanical?

Erosion

Erosion is the carrying away of weathered soil, rock or

other materials on the Earths surface by wind water
and gravity

Erosion by Water

Moving water is the major

agent of erosion.
Rain carries away bits of soil
and slowly washes away rock
fragments.
Rushing streams and rivers
wear away their banks,
creating larger and larger
valleys.
Example: The Colorado River
goes through the land of
Arizona and throughout time
it created The Grand Canyon

Water

Water erosion
created a cave

Water
eroded the
pebbles

Erosion by water
changes the shape of
coastlines.
Water sometimes
takes sand away from
beaches
It moves the coastline
farther inland.
Waves also erodes
seaside cliffs. It
sometimes bores holes
that form caves.

Erosion by Wind

It carries dust, sand, and

volcanic ash from one
place to another
Wind can sometimes
blow sand into towering
dunes
Wind is responsible for
the dramatic arches.

Erosion by Gravity

Water running down all the mountains and valleys is

pulled down by this force of gravity.
Wind is ultimately a result of air molecules being
held to the Earth's surface due to gravity.
Water and working under the influence of gravity,
are the greatest sources of erosion on the Earth's
surface

The Difference?

Weathering is related to the breaking

down and loosening of rock or soil into
smaller pieces, but the weathered pieces
remain in place.
Erosion is related to the movement of
weathered (and sometimes non
weathered) pieces away from the source.

For your experiment

Wind

Water

Follow your worksheet

Follow your worksheet
If you are working on the If you are working on the
Wind Erosion Part:
Water Erosion Part:
Use the mini-fan to
Use the water bottle to
blow the wind
create waves