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.