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Erosion and weathering are primarily caused by natural forces such as wind, water, ice, and gravity. These processes break down and transport rock and soil particles over time, shaping the Earth's surface. Human activities can also accelerate erosion and weathering through deforestation, mining, and construction.
Canyons are mainly caused by erosion, particularly by the action of flowing water from rivers. Weathering, which is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces, can contribute to the process by making rocks more susceptible to erosion.
Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller fragments, while erosion transports these fragments to another location. Weathering is caused by factors like temperature changes and water, while erosion is mainly caused by factors such as wind, water, and glaciers. Together, weathering and erosion shape the Earth's surface over time.
Weathering on Mars is primarily caused by wind erosion due to its thin atmosphere. The lack of liquid water limits traditional weathering processes seen on Earth. However, there is evidence of ancient river valleys and fluvial features suggesting past erosion by water.
Water erosion is a type of physical weathering caused by the constant flow of water over a surface. It can wear away rocks, soil, and other materials through processes like abrasion, dissolution, and hydraulic action.
Weathering does not necessarily have to take place before erosion. While weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles, erosion is the process of transporting these particles to a new location. Weathering can occur simultaneously with erosion or even after erosion has started.