Key Idea.
Section 1
Weathering Processes
Sediment is not a material that simply appears; it comes from the breakdown of older rocks. Through a process called weathering, wind, rain, flowing water, and ice physically attack solid rock surfaces.
This relentless natural force fractures large formations into smaller pebbles, sand, and dust. Therefore, every grain of sand on a beach was once part of a larger rock formation.
Section 2
Solar Energy as the Driver
The energy that powers weathering comes from the sun. Solar energy heats the Earth, creating the weather patterns—rain, wind, and flowing rivers—that wear down rocks.
Consequently, the production of sediment is a solar-powered process. Without the sun driving the water cycle and wind, rocks on the surface would remain largely unchanged.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Weathering Processes
Sediment is not a material that simply appears; it comes from the breakdown of older rocks. Through a process called weathering, wind, rain, flowing water, and ice physically attack solid rock surfaces.
This relentless natural force fractures large formations into smaller pebbles, sand, and dust. Therefore, every grain of sand on a beach was once part of a larger rock formation.
Section 2
Solar Energy as the Driver
The energy that powers weathering comes from the sun. Solar energy heats the Earth, creating the weather patterns—rain, wind, and flowing rivers—that wear down rocks.
Consequently, the production of sediment is a solar-powered process. Without the sun driving the water cycle and wind, rocks on the surface would remain largely unchanged.