The Process of Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition

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The Process of Weathering, Erosion, and
Deposition

• By Eric Lee
• November 24, 2008
• Photographs by Ahlene Shong (except for delta
  photos)

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Weathering
Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks
into smaller sediments .
There are many causes of weathering and we call
them agents .
This rock is being chemically weathered by
oxidation.
The agents of weathering are wind , air,
temperature, water, ice , and plants.

This boulder is being physically weathered by
root pry.
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Erosion
Erosion is the process of moving earth materials
like soil and sand from place to place.
The agents of erosion are gravity, water (running
water, waves), ice, (glaciers), and wind.
The running river erodes the the rock sediments
in the water. (The agent in this is water.)
Gravity has caused the rocks at the top to fall.
(The agent in this is gravity.)
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Deposition
Deposition is the process of sediments being
laid down.
When layers of sediments are compacted and
cemented sedimentary rocks are formed.
The rocks on this beach have been carried on to
the land by the waves and were deposited.
The rivers slows down as it enters the ocean and
drops its load and forms a delta.