Which of the following best describes abrasion? (1 point) Responses The falling of sheets off the top layer of rock. The falling of sheets off the top layer of rock. The cracking of rocks due to water freezing. The cracking of rocks due to water freezing. The breakdown of rock due to burrowing animals. The breakdown of rock due to burrowing animals. The breaking down of rocks by other rocks.
The best description of abrasion is: The breaking down of rocks by other rocks.
To determine this, we can analyze each option and eliminate the incorrect ones:
Option 1: The falling of sheets off the top layer of rock. This does not describe abrasion.
Option 2: The cracking of rocks due to water freezing. This describes a different process called frost wedging, not abrasion.
Option 3: The breakdown of rock due to burrowing animals. This describes a process called bioerosion, not abrasion.
Option 4: The breaking down of rocks by other rocks. This accurately describes abrasion. It refers to the process where rocks are physically broken down and worn away by the impact and rubbing action of other rocks.
Therefore, the correct answer is the last option: "The breaking down of rocks by other rocks."