Page 132 - Science Course 2 (Book 2)

Mo11-L2a: How Does Weathering Affect Earth’s Surface?

Let’s Begin The process of breaking rock into small pieces
without changing the composition of the rock is
physical weathering.
Weathering

Weathering refers to the processes that break down
rocks, changing Earth’s surface over time.

Weathering

a chemical or physical
process in which rocks
exposed to the weather
are worn down.

Water Wind Ice Frost wedging is what occurs when water in rocks
freezes and melts repeatedly, breaking the rocks
apart.

Erosion is the moving of weathered material, or
sediment, from one location to another.

Erosion
Water-Filled Water Breaks Rock
Crack Freezes
The carrying away of
weathered soil, rock, and
other materials on Earth’s The roots of plants can grow into cracks in rock and
surface eventually break the rock.

Wind Water Gravity

Slowly but surely, weathering and erosion wear down
mountains.

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