Science Mini-Assessment
Weathering and Erosion
Name ___________________________________
Directions: Circle the letter of the correct answer
1. During their field trip to the Marine Science Center, many of the students in Mr. Mac’s
class noticed how the waves crashed onto the shore. What happens when waves from a
storm erode the beach along a shoreline?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The beach gets smaller
The beach gets bigger
The beach does not change
The beach is weathered
2. Heavy rains cause the speed of a river to increase. How might fast
flowing water affect the river’s channel?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The river channel will get narrower
The river channel will get deeper
The river channel will get shallower
The river channel will not change
3. The Colorado River runs through the base of the Grand Canyon. Which is a logical
explanation for the formation of the canyon?
a. Plant roots caused the canyon walls to weather
b. The rock walls of the canyon were eroded by the rushing Colorado River
c. The rock walls of the canyon were first weathered by the rushing river water and
then the particles were eroded away
d. Freezing water caused the rocks in the canyon walls to crack and break
4. Underground caverns are an example of weathering and erosion.
Their formation might best be explained by which choice?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Wind weathers and erodes rock particles
Cold temperatures cause ice to form and break rock apart
Gravity moves particles of rock downhill
Groundwater dissolves minerals, forming underground cavities
5. Roads that run through mountainous areas are sometimes closed because the road is
blocked by piles of rocks.
What might cause a rock slide to occur?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Gravity causes rocks to slide down the mountain side
Wind causes rocks to fall
Water causes minerals to dissolve
Burrowing animals form holes in the mountainside