Agents of Erosion

What is Erosion and How is it Different than Weathering

• Weathering is the breaking down of rock into smaller pieces.

• Erosion is the MOVEMENT of these broken pieces from one place to another

What is an Agent of Erosion?• An agent of erosion is a force that can move

sediment from one location to another

Mass Erosion

• Mass Erosion is the movement of weathered material from one place to another by gravity

Running Water

• Rivers and streams can carry different sized sediment to the ocean

Running Water

Waves

• Waves have the force to move sand and broken rock pieces on an off beaches

Waves

• The force of waves can weather and erode rock material at the edge of the ocean

Wind

• Wind can carry sand and dust particles for many miles

Wind Erosion in the Desert Can Create Interesting Rock Formations

Glaciers

• Glaciers are large sheets of ice that can grind and carry large pieces of rock for many miles

Glaciers