1. Factors that Affect the Rate of Erosion
1.1. Slope
1.1.1. steep
1.1.1.1. Steep slopes increase the rate of erosion because gravity pulls on the sediment bringing it closer to Earth's surface.
1.1.1.1.1. EVIDENCE: hills or mountains with a sharp, or steep angle
1.1.2. shallow/flat
1.1.2.1. Shallow or flat slopes have a lower rate of erosion our to gravity having less of a pull on sediment.
1.1.2.1.1. EVIDENCE: valleys or plateaus with flat land
1.2. Vegetation
1.2.1. Plant roots hold the soil in place to prevent erosion and reduce the rate. The more roots, the slower the rate. The less roots, the higher the rate.
1.2.1.1. EVIDENCE: Visible plant life holding sediment in place
1.3. Water
1.3.1. volume
1.3.1.1. A higher volume of water will increase the rate of erosion, a lower volume will decrease the rate.
1.3.1.1.1. EVIDENCE: deep or shallow water
1.3.2. speed
1.3.2.1. Fast moving water increases the rate of erosion, slow moving water decreases the rate.
1.3.2.1.1. EVIDENCE: rushing or slow-moving water, or areas of land where banks are more or less visible
1.4. Wind
1.4.1. Wind carries sediment away. The faster the wind, the more sediment that can be carried.
1.4.1.1. EVIDENCE: tornadoes, dust devils, dust storms
2. Deposition: Sediment that is moved from one location to another due to erosion.
3. Types of Weathering
3.1. Vegetation
3.1.1. Roots split rocks apart.
3.1.1.1. EVIDENCE: roots in cracks of rocks
3.1.2. Lichen eats away at minerals in rocks.
3.1.2.1. EVIDENCE: Presence of lichen on rocks with smaller cracks
3.2. Freeze-thaw
3.2.1. Ice expands and splits rocks.
3.2.1.1. EVIDENCE: Large cracks or splits in rocks
3.3. Water
3.3.1. Water and sediment wash over and smooth rocks.
3.3.1.1. EVIDENCE: Smooth, round rocks
3.4. Wind
3.4.1. Wind carries sediment sculpts rocks into odd shapes.
3.4.1.1. EVIDENCE: Tall, odd shaped rocks