Chapter 25, Problem 16RQ

To determine

The way for producing sediment from weathering and the difference between weathering and erosion.

Answer to Problem 16RQ

Weathering produces sediment by breaking the rock on the Earth’s surface. And erosion is the process of transportation of sediment from one place to another by air, water or ice.

Explanation of Solution

The process of breaking of rock into tinier pieces and their decomposition is known as weathering. It is of two types mechanical and chemical. When rock breaks physically into small pieces, then it is called mechanical weathering. And when the rock is decomposed by reacting with water, then it is called chemical weathering.

The difference between weathering and erosion is given in table below:

S.No.	Weathering	Erosion
1.	It is a process of disintegration of rocks.	It is a process of transportation of sediments.
2.	Weathering will produce sediment.	Erosion will move the sediment particles from one place.
3.	The weathered sediment is not displaced.	The eroded sediment is displaced.

Conclusion:

Therefore, weathering produces sediment by breaking the rock on the Earth’s surface. And erosion is the process of transportation of sediment from one place to another by air, water or ice.