Which of these is the best example of deposition?
a. Acid rain changes the chemical composition of limestone.
b. Flowing water wears away the sharp edges of river rocks.
c. A glacier melts and drops the sediment it was carrying.
d. Water seeps into cracks in a rock, freezes and melts.
The only one depositing anything is c.
The best example of deposition among the given options is option c. A glacier melting and dropping the sediment it was carrying.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand what deposition means. Deposition refers to the process by which sediments, soil, or rocks that have been eroded or transported are settled or dropped in a new location.
Let's analyze each option:
a. Acid rain changing the chemical composition of limestone is an example of chemical weathering rather than deposition. It involves the dissolution of limestone rather than the settling of sediments.
b. Flowing water wearing away the sharp edges of river rocks is an example of abrasion or erosion. It involves the removal of material from the rocks rather than their deposition.
c. A glacier melting and dropping the sediment it was carrying is a clear example of deposition. As a glacier moves, it collects rocks, sand, and other debris. When the ice melts, it releases the sediments it had picked up, leaving them behind in a new location.
d. Water seeping into cracks and freezing and melting in a rock is an example of physical weathering caused by ice wedging. It involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks rather than the deposition of sediments.
Therefore, the correct answer is option c. A glacier melting and dropping the sediment it was carrying.