Cliffs in California are disappearing faster than ever. What causes cliffs to crumble? In this lesson you will learn about how 🪨 rock is broken down over time. 

What can explain how this rock got sliced in half so perfectly?

Watch this time lapse showing a cliff in Alaska over the summer of 2019. Answer the following questions in your notebook:

Read this short reading and watch the video below to learn how weathering and erosion work together to change landforms. Answer the following questions in your notebook:

Draw a model below of how frost wedging could lead to the breaking apart of rock (seen in the Engage section). 

Make sure to add a copy of your model to your notebook.

🛑 STOP: Before moving on, have your teacher come look at your model to give you feedback.

With your group, you will work on this lab to determine what factors affect the rate of weathering. Wait for your teacher to introduce this lab before you begin.

Once you finish your lab, draw a model below showing the difference between weathering a rock with sand and with gravel. 

🛑 STOP: Before moving on, have your teacher come check your model to give you feedback.

Below is a headline from the Los Angeles Times in July 2019. The main argument in this article is that sea level rise will double the amount of weathering and erosion on cliffs in California. 

Draw a model below showing how rising sea levels will increase weathering and erosion rates. 

I can model how weathering and erosion change landscapes over time

Weathering and Erosion