Which agent probably contributes most to the genral wearing down of Earth's surface? explain
i know the answer is "running water" but how to explain it?
Turn on a garden hose and aim it at a patch of bare ground. What happens to the dirt when the running water hits it?
Think about river deltas. They are made by the river washing down the dirt from upstream.
The Grand Canyon was largely made over millions of years by running water.
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To explain why running water is the agent that probably contributes most to the general wearing down of Earth's surface, we need to consider the characteristics and processes involved.
Firstly, running water refers to the movement of water in rivers, streams, and other channels. It is an essential part of the water cycle, constantly moving and shaping the Earth's surface. As water flows, it interacts with the land in various ways, leading to erosion and sedimentation.
There are several reasons why running water is a powerful agent of erosion:
1. Impact of water: As water travels downstream, it carries sediment, rocks, and other particles. These materials act like abrasive tools, continuously hitting and rubbing against the land surface, gradually breaking it down.
2. Flowing velocity: The speed at which water moves is crucial in determining its erosive power. Rapidly flowing water, such as in fast-moving rivers or during heavy rainfall, exerts more force on the surface it comes into contact with, resulting in greater erosion.
3. Abrasion: Running water picks up small particles like sand, silt, and pebbles and carries them downstream. As these particles collide with the land, they cause abrasion, wearing down the surface over time. This process is particularly prominent in areas where water flows swiftly or encounters obstacles in its path.
4. Hydraulic action: The force of water against the land, especially in areas with steep slopes or bends in the river, can dislodge rocks and soil. This action is intensified during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding.
5. Transportation and deposition: Running water has the ability to transport eroded material over long distances. As water slows down or reaches a body of water, like a lake or the ocean, it loses its carrying capacity and deposits the sediment it was transporting. This process contributes to the creation of river deltas and the accumulation of sediment in lakes and coastal areas.
By combining these erosional processes, running water gradually wears down the Earth's surface over time. It carves out valleys, creates gorges, and forms intricate networks of river systems. The continuous cycle of erosion and deposition by running water shapes the landscape and plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface.