Definition of Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Weathering, erosion and deposition are three processes that work together to shape the Earth’s surface over time. If you are looking for a refresher on these terms, read on for a detailed primer from our teacher team!

Weathering

Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces or changed in composition due to various natural forces. There are three main types of weathering:

Mechanical Weathering

This occurs when physical forces, such as temperature changes, pressure and freezing water break rocks into smaller pieces. An example is when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to crack and break apart.

Chemical Weathering

Chemical weathering involves the changing of rocks through chemical reactions. Substances like water, acids and oxygen can react with minerals in rocks, changing their composition over time. A common example is the rusting of iron when it reacts with oxygen and water.

Biological Weathering

Biological weathering is a type of weathering caused by living organisms. This process involves the physical or chemical alteration of rocks and minerals due to the activities of plants, animals and microorganisms. 

Erosion 

Erosion is the process by which weathered rock and soil are transported from one place to another by natural forces like wind, water, ice and gravity. Erosion occurs when these forces carry away the smaller particles and sediments produced by weathering. Examples of erosion include the gradual wearing away of coastlines by ocean waves, the carving of valleys by rivers and the transportation of soil by the wind.

Deposition

Deposition is the opposite of erosion. It’s the process where eroded materials, such as sediments, rocks and soil, settle or come to rest in a new location. This occurs when the forces that were transporting them lose their energy and can no longer carry the materials. For example, a river might deposit sediment it has eroded when it slows down and reaches a flat area, like a floodplain or a lake. Over time, deposition can build up new landforms and change the landscape.

Colour by Number – Erosion, Weathering, Deposition – Answer Key Included!

Teach Starter has created a fun colour-by-number activity for your students to use to test their understanding of the W.E.D (weathering, erosion, and deposition) concepts. In this teacher-created download, you will find a ten-question page where students must determine if the statement describes weathering, erosion or deposition. Students will then use the colour from the key and shade in the corresponding numbers on the landscape outline.

To make grading quick and easy, we have included an answer key for both the questions and the colouring page.

Easily Prepare This Science Colouring Worksheet for Your Students

If you are ready to add this Earth Sciences worksheet to your teaching toolkit, head on over to the green download button! You can choose from the quick-print PDF file or the editable Google Slides document. Please note that if you select the Google Slides option, you will first be prompted to copy the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Delivering More Deposition, Erosion and Weathering Resources – Straight to You!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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Weathering, Erosion and Deposition – Teaching Slides

Learn about the different types of weathering, effects of erosion, results of deposition and more with this set of teaching slides.

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Weathering, Erosion and Deposition – Sorting Activity

Categorise examples of deposition, weathering and erosion with this 24-card sorting activity.

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Weathering and Erosion Poster

Learn how weathering and erosion can cause slow changes to Earth’s surface with this printable poster.