Question 1

What is weathering?

Accepted Answer

Weathering is when rocks break down into smaller pieces because of things like rain, wind, and ice. It happens slowly over many years.

Question 2

What is erosion?

Accepted Answer

Erosion is when pieces of rock and soil are moved from one place to another. Wind and water can carry them away.

Question 3

How are weathering and erosion different?

Accepted Answer

Weathering is breaking down rocks, and erosion is moving them. They often happen together in nature.

Question 4

Why does weathering happen?

Accepted Answer

Weathering happens because of wind, water, ice, and plants that cause rocks to crack and break apart.

Question 5

Can plants cause weathering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when roots grow in cracks, they can make the cracks bigger until the rock breaks apart.

Question 6

Does temperature affect weathering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when it's hot, rocks expand, and when it's cold, they contract. This can make them crack and break over time.

Question 7

How does water cause weathering?

Accepted Answer

Water can seep into cracks in rocks. When it freezes, the ice expands and makes the cracks bigger.

Question 8

What role does wind play in erosion?

Accepted Answer

Wind can carry small pieces of rock and soil to new places, causing changes in the landscape.

Question 9

Can animals cause weathering or erosion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, animals burrowing in the ground can loosen soil and rocks, contributing to weathering and erosion.

Question 10

What are some examples of erosion?

Accepted Answer

Rivers carving valleys and wind forming sand dunes are examples of erosion. These changes take a long time to happen.

Question 11

Can humans stop erosion?

Accepted Answer

We can slow it down with things like plants. Plants help hold the soil in place with their roots.

Question 12

What is soil made from?

Accepted Answer

Soil is made from tiny pieces of rocks and organic material from plants and animals.

Question 13

How do glaciers cause erosion?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers are large, moving sheets of ice that can pick up and carry rocks and soil with them, changing the land.

Question 14

Why are some rocks smooth?

Accepted Answer

Rocks become smooth through weathering and erosion, as wind and water wear them down over time.

Question 15

Is erosion good or bad?

Accepted Answer

Erosion is natural and shapes the earth, but too much can be harmful. For example, it can wash away soil plants need.

Question 16

What can cause faster erosion?

Accepted Answer

Heavy rain, strong winds, and lack of plants can make erosion happen faster.

Question 17

How can trees help stop erosion?

Accepted Answer

Trees have roots that hold soil in place and their leaves can help block wind and rain from hitting the ground directly.

Question 18

Why is erosion important?

Accepted Answer

Erosion creates new landscapes like valleys and helps form soil, which is important for growing plants.

Question 19

What does a landslide have to do with erosion?

Accepted Answer

A landslide is when a large amount of rock and soil moves down a slope very quickly, which is a sudden type of erosion.

Question 20

Can building things cause erosion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when we build roads and houses, we can disrupt the land, making it easier for erosion to occur.

The Process of Weathering and Erosion - 20 FAQs Explained Simply