Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What is the term for the breaking down of rocks through natural processes such as wind and rain?

1. Erosion

2. Weathering

3. Deposition

4. Fragmentation

The correct answer is: Weathering

The correct term for the breaking down of rocks through natural processes such as wind and rain is "weathering." This process involves the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks at or near the Earth's surface, which happens over time due to environmental factors. Weathering can occur in several forms, including mechanical weathering, which physically breaks rocks apart without changing their chemical composition, and chemical weathering, which alters the minerals within the rocks, often leading to disintegration or decomposition. Understanding weathering is essential because it prepares rocks for subsequent erosion and sediment transport. Erosion, while related, specifically refers to the movement of those particles after they have been weathered. Deposition refers to the accumulation of sediments in new locations after erosion, and fragmentation is a broader term that could refer to any process resulting in the breaking of materials but is not specifically tied to the weathering processes. Thus, recognizing the distinct processes of weathering and erosion is key in geology and earth science.