Weathering
The process by which earth's surface is gradually broken down into smaller pieces
"break it"
Erosion
The process of moving Earth materials from one place to another.
"take it"
Deposition
After pieces of the Earth are carried by erosion, they are dropped somewhere else.
"Drop it"
Constructive Forces
Movement that builds or creates new formations.
Destructive Forces
Movement that destroys or wears down existing formations.
Sediment
Rock fragments that have been transported to a different location.
Glacier
A slowly moving mass of ice formed by the buildup of snow. Movement of glaciers can cause weathering and erosion.
Chemical weathering
A process in which rocks are transformed and worn away by chemical reactions. Example: dissolving of limestone, rust
Biological weathering
Wearing down of rocks caused by a living organism (for example, tree roots or an animal)
Grand Canyon
A five-thousand-foot-deep canyon located in Arizona. It was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years and is one of the best examples of weathering and erosion.
Physical Weathering
The process by which rocks are broken down by breaking and banging.