Download Name: The rate of weathering and erosion of rocks on earth is

Name:___________________________________
The rate of weathering and erosion of rocks on earth is dependent on several factors such as rock type,
rainfall, slope, and temperature. Since numerous factors need to be considered, it can be difficult to
witness the weathering and erosion process from start to end firsthand. We will be able to study the
slow process of weathering and erosion by using a virtual lab.
Objectives:
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Identify the different types of conditions for mechanical and chemical weathering of earth
materials.
Observe how different weathering conditions effect earth materials
Identify some of the factors that affect the erosion of soil by water.
Compare the influence of different combinations of factors on the erosion of soil by water.
To start log onto the following site:
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/E06/E06.html
Procedure:
1. Click on the weathering fact book button to learn more about the types of weathering and the
symbols used on the screen.
2. Select one of the scenes to observe a weathering effect.
3. Click one of the two weathering buttons that is active for the scene you chose: vegetation,
freeze/than, water, or oxidation, and observe the weathering effects that occur.
4. Click the labels button if you want to see the images for either image to see the image labeled
with more detail.
5. Record your observations in the table given below.
6. Click on the remaining weathering button to view another weathering effect. Once again record
your observations in the table.
7. Continue to investigate the remaining scenes until the data table is completely filled in and then
answer the following questions.
Data Table: Mechanical and Chemical Weathering
Scene
Number
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Before Weathering
Weathering
Effect
After Weathering
Mechanical or
chemical??
Drawing Conclusions:
1. What weathering effects would occur if you move a rock sculpture from a dry climate to a
moisture rich climate?
2. In terms of weathering, explain what will happen to a set of metal tools left outdoors in the rain
for a long period of time?
Once again log onto the following site:
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/ES08/ES08.html
Procedure:
1. Choose the slope of the land by dragging the diagonal arm of the angle to 10 or 30 degrees. Be
sure to record all information in the data able below.
2. Choose whether or not the land has vegetation by clicking yes or no. Record in the table.
3. Choose the intensity of the rainfall by clicking low or high. Record in the table the intensity.
4. Click the rain button. Observe the erosion caused by rain.
5. Drag the beaker to the runoff area and let go. This will collect the data and tell you the amount
of sediment there was the in runoff. Record this value in the table.
6. Click the reset button. Repeat the experiment using different variable setting.
7. After all possible combinations have been tested; draw your conclusions by answering the
following questions.
8. Click on the remaining weathering button to view another weathering effect. Once again record
your observations in the table.
9. Continue to investigate the remaining scenes until the data table is completely filled in and then
answer the following questions.
Data Table: Erosional variables
Slope Gradient
Vegetation
Rain Intensity
10
Yes
Low
10
No
Low
10
Yes
High
10
No
High
30
Yes
Low
30
No
Low
30
Yes
High
30
No
High
Sediment Level
Drawing Conclusions:
1. How is erosion different than weathering?
2. How did the slope gradient relate to the amount of erosion that occurred?
3. How does the presence of vegetation relate to the amount of erosion that occurred on the
slope?
4. How did the rain intensity relate to the amount of erosion that occurred on the slope?
Read the following questions and see if you can predict what would happen:
5. What would happen if the angle of the slope was increased to an angle steeper than 30
degrees?
6. What would happen to erosion rates if amount of vegetation was cut by 50 percent?