How are the processes of weathering, erosion and deposition related?
Weathering, erosion, and deposition are processes continually at work on or near earth’s surface. Over time, these processes result in the formation of sedimentary rocks. Weathering occurs when rocks are broken down into smaller particles but not moved. Mechanical weathering is the breaking of rocks by expansion and contraction. This can be as a result of heating and cooling, or from water entering a crack in a rock and expanding when it freezes. Plant roots can invade rocks causing mechanical weathering. Chemical weathering weakens or breaks down rock when the rock reacts with water including rain, dew, surface water, or seawater. When natural forces begin to move weathered particles, called sediments, we say that they are being eroded, or undergoing erosion. Most of earth’s erosion is done by flowing water in streams which carry tons of sediment to the oceans each day. Waves erode rock exposed at the shoreline. Wind is able to move particles causing them to bump and skip along the su
