Sea arches and sea stacks provide evidence of weathering and erosion. In three to five sentences, explain the roles weathering and erosion play in creating these landforms.(4 points)
Weathering and erosion play crucial roles in the formation of sea arches and sea stacks. Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and landforms into smaller pieces through various mechanisms such as freeze-thaw cycles, chemical reactions, and biological activity. This weathered material is then susceptible to erosion by natural forces like wind, waves, and water currents. In the case of sea arches, weathering weakens the rock along a joint or fracture, while erosion by waves gradually carves out and enlarges a hole until it forms an arch. Sea stacks, on the other hand, are remnants of headlands or sea cliffs that have been eroded and separated from the mainland due to wave action gradually wearing away the surrounding rock.
Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces. In the case of sea arches and sea stacks, weathering begins when waves continuously crash against the cliffs, causing them to weaken. Over time, this constant battering and the presence of chemicals in the water dissolve minerals and further weaken the rock, leading to the formation of cracks. Erosion, on the other hand, is the process of removing and transporting the weathered rock particles. In the case of sea arches, erosion occurs when waves erode the rock along the cracks, gradually widening them until the rock bridge collapses, leaving behind the arch. In the case of sea stacks, erosion occurs when waves wear down and erode the softer parts of the rock, leaving behind tall, isolated pillars. In summary, weathering weakens the rocks, while erosion removes the weathered material, both of which play crucial roles in shaping sea arches and sea stacks.
write it in 4 sentences
Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals on Earth's surface. In the case of sea arches and sea stacks, weathering plays a crucial role in weakening the rock and creating cracks and joints. Once the rocks are weakened, erosion takes place, where water, wind, and waves gradually remove the loosened material. The continuous action of these forces erode the softer rock layers, leaving behind the more resistant layers, resulting in the formation of sea arches and sea stacks.
