Landforms and Physical Systems Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:This photo shows a canyon. Canyons are very deep valleys, and they usually have high walls. Often, canyons are formed when rivers or streams cut through rock. The natural forces of water cause weathering, which breaks down rock. Then, they erode the rock by carrying it away downstream. This carves out a canyon.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:Weathering is a very slow process that happens when rocks are exposed to the Earth’s atmosphere and other natural elements. Weathering causes rock to break down into sediment or soil, and it can happen in different ways. Physical weathering takes place when extreme temperatures or physical forces cause rocks to break apart slowly. Chemical weathering happens when chemical changes cause rocks to break down.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:The natural process that moved this beach is called erosion. Erosion happens when natural forces carry away soil, sediment, and rock. In this case, waves caused the erosion. Over the course of more than 100 years, waves hit the shoreline, carrying away sand and soil. This moved the shoreline further inland, making it appear like the lighthouse moved.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:Erosion is the process of rock and sediment being carried away from its original location. Gravity can cause erosion, as broken-down rock can fall or move downhill. Another force is wind; wind can crash against rock, sand, or sediment, and carry it through the air. Water can also cause erosion, as waves, rivers, or streams pick up sediment and move it from place to place. Finally, ice can cause erosion; for instance, glaciers carve out valleys by pushing aside rock and sediment.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:This photo shows a delta. Rivers create deltas by carrying eroded sediment toward the ocean and fanning out around this sediment. The force of flowing water erodes rocks and riverbanks upstream, carrying soil and sediment toward the sea.