Weathering and Erosion
Understanding how landscapes are broken down and reshaped
Weathering = in-situ breakdown of rock. Erosion = transport of weathered material. Together they shape the Earth's surface.
1. Weathering
in-situPhysical
Mechanical breakdown, no chemical change.
Chemical
Chemical reactions alter rock composition.
Biological
Living organisms cause breakdown.
2. Erosion
transportWater
rivers, rainfall
Wind
sandblasting
Ice
glaciers
Gravity
landslides, rockfalls
3. Weathering vs Erosion
4. Resulting Landforms
Tors
Rounded boulder piles shaped by weathering.
Scree Slopes
Broken rock at cliff base from erosion.
Study Tip
Exam tip: do not confuse weathering with erosion. Weathering breaks rock down where it is, while erosion removes and transports the material.
Practice & Assess
Six interactive games - all reset buttons work
Quiz 1 - Weathering
Frost shattering is which type?
Quiz 2 - True/False
"Weathering involves transport of material."
Match - Erosion Agents
Fill - Chemical
Fill - Physical
Order - Weathering Types
Click to rearrange (any order)
Key Terms
Key Recap
The key distinction is simple: weathering is breakdown and erosion is movement. Learners should know the main types of weathering, the agents of erosion, and the landforms these processes create over time.
