Erosion and deposition

Science

Definition

Erosion is the process by which rock and soil are worn away and transported by wind, water, ice, or gravity. Deposition occurs when the transported material is dropped in a new location. Together, these processes reshape Earth's surface over time.

How It Works

  1. Weathering breaks rock into smaller fragments
  2. Erosion agents (water, wind, ice, gravity) pick up and transport sediment
  3. Faster-moving agents carry larger particles
  4. When the agent slows down or loses energy, deposition occurs
  5. Deposited sediment accumulates and may eventually form new sedimentary rock

Examples

  • A river carrying sediment downstream and depositing it as a delta
  • Wind erosion creating sand dunes in a desert
  • Glaciers carving valleys and depositing moraines

Related Terms

Chemical weathering Mechanical weathering Rock cycle Soil composition

Study This Concept

Practice erosion and deposition with free review games in these units:

Earth Science Unit 4: Weathering and Erosion