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Miranda M.
12/6/2025
Earth and Space Science
Earth Science: Weathering & Erosion
100
•
Dec 6, 2025
•
Understanding Weathering and Erosion in Earth Science
Miranda M.
@scarmira1
1 / 4
Types of Weathering
Ever wonder why rocks break down over time? It happens through two main processes. Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing what they're made of. Chemical weathering actually changes the minerals or chemicals in the rock as it breaks down.
Physical weathering happens faster in colder places with less rain. Look for signs like animal activity, abrasion (when rocks scrape against each other), plant roots growing into cracks, and frost action (when water freezes and expands in rock cracks). Another cool example is exfoliation, where rocks peel in sheets due to temperature changes.
Chemical weathering thrives in hot, wet environments. It includes processes like carbonation (when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form weak acid), acid rain, organic decay from plants, and oxidation (when oxygen and iron combine to form rust).
💡 Both physical and chemical weathering require moisture to work! Without some water, these processes slow down dramatically.
Factors Affecting Weathering & Erosion Basics
The speed of weathering depends on three key things. First, rocks with more surface area weather faster because more of the rock is exposed. Second, higher temperatures usually speed up weathering. Third, a rock's mineral composition matters—softer rocks weather much faster than harder ones.
Once rocks break down, erosion takes over! Erosion is simply the movement of weathered particles from one place to another. There are four main erosional agents that do this work: glaciers, gravity, water, and wind.
Glaciers and gravity create unsorted deposits with different-sized particles all mixed together. When glaciers move, they can leave scratches called striations on rocks. Water and wind create sorted deposits where particles are similar in size and shape. Water makes rocks smoother and rounder, while wind carries sand and dust.
🏞️ You can tell if a valley was formed by a stream or a glacier by its shape! Stream valleys are V-shaped, while glacier valleys are U-shaped.
Beach Erosion & Groins
Beaches are constantly changing due to wave action. When waves and currents move in the same direction along a shoreline, they can carry sand away, causing beach erosion.
To protect beaches, people sometimes build structures called groins that extend from the shore into the water. These structures trap sand on one side, widening the beach in that area.
However, groins have consequences! While they build up sand on one side (the side facing the direction waves are coming from), they can cause increased erosion on the opposite side. This happens because the groin blocks the natural movement of sand along the shoreline.
🌊 Beach protection structures might help one area but can harm another area! Engineers have to carefully consider the entire coastline when planning these structures.
Deposition & Final Review
Deposition is the final stage of erosion when materials are dropped off in new locations. This happens when wind or water slows down and can't carry particles anymore. Larger, rounder, heavier particles drop first, while smaller, flatter, lighter ones deposit last.
Streams deposit sediments at their mouths, creating deltas where they enter larger bodies of water. Deposition can happen in two ways: horizontal sorting (where larger sediments deposit before smaller ones) and vertical sorting (where bigger elements settle to the bottom).
Remember the big differences between erosional forces! Glaciers create U-shaped valleys and unsorted deposits. They can leave erratics (boulders) far from their source. Streams form V-shaped valleys and become curvier (meandering) as they age. Gravity causes landslides with angular rocks, while wind forms sand dunes.
🧠 Quick test: If you see rounded, smooth rocks all similar in size, they were probably transported by water. If you see rocks of many different sizes all mixed together, a glacier likely carried them!
We thought you’d never ask...
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Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
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You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Weathering and Erosion in Earth Science
Miranda M.
@scarmira1
Weathering and erosion are powerful processes that shape our planet's surface. These natural forces break down rocks and move the resulting fragments, creating everything from valleys to beaches. Understanding how weathering and erosion work will help you make sense of... Show more
Types of Weathering
Ever wonder why rocks break down over time? It happens through two main processes. Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing what they're made of. Chemical weathering actually changes the minerals or chemicals in the rock as it breaks down.
Physical weathering happens faster in colder places with less rain. Look for signs like animal activity, abrasion (when rocks scrape against each other), plant roots growing into cracks, and frost action (when water freezes and expands in rock cracks). Another cool example is exfoliation, where rocks peel in sheets due to temperature changes.
Chemical weathering thrives in hot, wet environments. It includes processes like carbonation (when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form weak acid), acid rain, organic decay from plants, and oxidation (when oxygen and iron combine to form rust).
💡 Both physical and chemical weathering require moisture to work! Without some water, these processes slow down dramatically.
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Factors Affecting Weathering & Erosion Basics
The speed of weathering depends on three key things. First, rocks with more surface area weather faster because more of the rock is exposed. Second, higher temperatures usually speed up weathering. Third, a rock's mineral composition matters—softer rocks weather much faster than harder ones.
Once rocks break down, erosion takes over! Erosion is simply the movement of weathered particles from one place to another. There are four main erosional agents that do this work: glaciers, gravity, water, and wind.
Glaciers and gravity create unsorted deposits with different-sized particles all mixed together. When glaciers move, they can leave scratches called striations on rocks. Water and wind create sorted deposits where particles are similar in size and shape. Water makes rocks smoother and rounder, while wind carries sand and dust.
🏞️ You can tell if a valley was formed by a stream or a glacier by its shape! Stream valleys are V-shaped, while glacier valleys are U-shaped.
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Beach Erosion & Groins
Beaches are constantly changing due to wave action. When waves and currents move in the same direction along a shoreline, they can carry sand away, causing beach erosion.
To protect beaches, people sometimes build structures called groins that extend from the shore into the water. These structures trap sand on one side, widening the beach in that area.
However, groins have consequences! While they build up sand on one side (the side facing the direction waves are coming from), they can cause increased erosion on the opposite side. This happens because the groin blocks the natural movement of sand along the shoreline.
🌊 Beach protection structures might help one area but can harm another area! Engineers have to carefully consider the entire coastline when planning these structures.
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Deposition & Final Review
Deposition is the final stage of erosion when materials are dropped off in new locations. This happens when wind or water slows down and can't carry particles anymore. Larger, rounder, heavier particles drop first, while smaller, flatter, lighter ones deposit last.
Streams deposit sediments at their mouths, creating deltas where they enter larger bodies of water. Deposition can happen in two ways: horizontal sorting (where larger sediments deposit before smaller ones) and vertical sorting (where bigger elements settle to the bottom).
Remember the big differences between erosional forces! Glaciers create U-shaped valleys and unsorted deposits. They can leave erratics (boulders) far from their source. Streams form V-shaped valleys and become curvier (meandering) as they age. Gravity causes landslides with angular rocks, while wind forms sand dunes.
🧠 Quick test: If you see rounded, smooth rocks all similar in size, they were probably transported by water. If you see rocks of many different sizes all mixed together, a glacier likely carried them!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user