Weathering and Erosion

"I believe in God, only I spell it Nature."  ~Frank Lloyd Wright, quoted, 14 August 1966

             

These landscapes are made of rock.  As the rock is exposed to air and water, its chemical and physical compositions change.  Organic agents, such as plants, animals and humans can also alter the rock.  These processes are known as weathering.  Erosion refers to the physical removal of rock or portions of rock.  Weathering is usually followed by erosion.  Rocks may be rounded, broken down into sediment, or even changed chemically as a result.  The landscapes above have been shaped by different types of rock weathering at different rates.  Weathering and erosion can be a beautiful thing!




Water proably has the greatest effect on weathering and erosion.  In Idaho, you can see how the Snake River has carved its way through the land, eroding the basalt and other rock.
   



This cave at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana shows how the boulders, or concretions, are more resistant to weathering than the sandstone around them.  When the sandstone weathers and erodes enough, the boulders will tumble to the ground.



 
Resources:
KidsGeo
Mr. Science Guy
Video from StudyJams









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