Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition

These flashcards cover key concepts related to erosion, transportation, and deposition processes in Earth and Space Science.

What are the three major processes involved in the weathering and erosion cycle as summarized by the chant WETD?

Weathering, Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition.

Define Weathering.

Weathering is the physical disintegration or chemical alteration of rocks at or near Earth’s surface, with no movement involved.

What is Erosion?

Erosion is the group of processes whereby earthy or rock material is loosened or dissolved and removed from any part of Earth's surface.

How does Transportation differ from Erosion?

Transportation is the movement of sediment particles on Earth's surface by water, air (wind), ice (glaciers), gravity or biota, while erosion involves the removal of material.

Define Deposition.

Deposition is the process by which weathered and eroded materials are laid down or placed in a location that is different from their source.

List the four main agents of erosion.

Water, Wind, Ice, and Gravity.

What is the difference between Coherent and Incoherent gravity-related erosion?

Coherent refers to the erosion of a consolidated mass of materials moving as a single unit, while Incoherent refers to the erosion or movement of unconsolidated individual fragments.

What type of erosion occurs during rainfall or melt-water events?

Running water (fluvial) erosion occurs during these events.

What are the two categories of wind erosion?

Abrasion and Deflation.

Explain the term 'Alluvium'.

Alluvium refers to materials deposited by running water.