Weathering and Erosion

Let’s play a game….. • Class will be split into 2 teams.• Pictures will show different types of

weathering and erosion the first group with their hands up will get to ID the erosion/weathering type. – If a group says the answer without being

called on they are disqualified for that round.

• Team with the most points wins…..– BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!!

What is the cause?

Water Erosion:Cutting

What is the cause?

Mechanical Weathering:Burrowing Animals

What is the cause?

Chemical Weathering:Acid Rain

What is the cause?

Water Erosion:Cutting

What is the cause?

Wind Erosion

What is the cause?

Water Erosion:Sheet Erosion

(Flooding)

What is the cause?

Mechanical Weathering:Plant Growth

What is the cause?

Mechanical Weathering:Pressure Release

What is the cause?

Water Erosion:Splash Erosion

What is the cause?

Example of destructive weathering. Chemical Weathering due to acid

rain.

Objectives• Define weathering and erosion

in the classroom with 80% accuracy.

• Identify different types of weathering and erosion via pictures in the classroom with 80% accuracy.

Why?• Why do we need to know about

weathering and erosion?

• Why is it important to be able to recognize different types of weathering and erosion?

What? • What is weathering and erosion?

• What are characteristics of weathering and erosion?

• What are the different types of weathering, and erosion?

Weathering • The group of processes that change

physical and chemical characteristics of rocks at or near Earth’s surface.

– Mechanical Weathering

– Chemical Weathering

Mechanical Weathering

• Physical disintegration (breaking

up) of rock material (but does

not change composition).• Pressure release fracturing, plant growth,

and burrowing animals.

Pressure Release Fracturing

• Sheet joints, and

fracturing.

Plant Growth• Growing roots widen

fracture.

Burrowing Animals• Animals nest/habitat

can cause weathering

due to creating holes

in the surface.

Chemical Weathering • Decomposition of rock

from exposure to water

and atmospheric gases

(oxygen, water vapor

and carbon dioxide).

– New chemical

compounds

(minerals) are

formed.

Effects of Weathering• Destructive

Weathering– Long slow process

• Limestone or marble grave stones.

• Constructive Weathering– Soil is a product of

the weathering process.

Factors Affecting Weathering

• Availability of Water• Chemical weathering is faster in humid

climates

• Temperature• Warmer Climates = faster weathering• Polar Climates = Very slow weathering• Temperate climates = Freeze-thaw

physical weathering

• Slopes• Gravity can break up rock

Erosion• Physically picking up/removal of

rock particles by water, ice, or wind.

Water Erosion• Raindrops

(splash erosion)

Water Erosion• Heavy Rain

(sheet erosion) flood.

Water Erosion• Water cutting

into banks making them higher and higher.

Wind Erosion• In arid

climates wind can pick up finer grained materials (clay, silt, organic matter).

Ice Erosion • Glacial Drift

Review• What is weathering and erosion?

• What are characteristics of weathering and erosion?

• What are the different types of weathering, and erosion?