Peaks are not as sharp on the Appalachian Mountains as they are on the Rocky Mountains. What might have cause this difference in the peaks over time?
A. erosion
B. weathering
C. evaporation
D. sedimentation
I'll be glad to check your answer.
Right.
The differences in the sharpness of peaks between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains can be attributed to geological processes that have occurred over time. In this case, the most likely cause of the differences is erosion, which is the wearing away of rock and soil by natural forces like water, wind, and ice.
To understand why erosion might have caused this difference, we need to consider the characteristics of the two mountain ranges. The Appalachian Mountains are much older and have been subjected to longer periods of erosion compared to the relatively younger Rocky Mountains.
Over time, the forces of erosion, such as water flow, glaciers, and wind, gradually wear down the peaks of mountains. This can result in the rounding off or smoothing out of once sharp and rugged peaks. The Appalachian Mountains, being older and having experienced longer exposure to these erosive forces, have undergone more extensive erosion, resulting in less sharp peaks.
On the other hand, the Rocky Mountains are relatively younger and have been subjected to less erosion. Therefore, their peaks are generally sharper and more jagged due to having been exposed to these erosive forces for a shorter period.
It's important to note that weathering, which is the breaking down of rocks into smaller particles, and sedimentation, which is the deposition of sediment, may also play a role in shaping mountain peaks. However, in this context, erosion is likely the primary factor responsible for the observed differences in peak sharpness between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. Therefore, the correct answer is A. erosion.