REDSTONE CANYON · CRUMBLING
Physical Weathering
Wind-Carved Archway
Learn with Crumbling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.
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Your Wind-Carved Archway adventure
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Crumbling — Physical Weathering Wind-Carved Archway
Hi!
I'm Crumbling.
Welcome to Wind-Carved Archway!
Will you help me investigate physical weathering?
The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.
Let's check the evidence!
Physical weathering changes rock into smaller pieces without changing the
material into a different substance.
Abrasion happens when particles scrape or rub surfaces.
What remains the same during physical weathering?
- A. The size of every piece
- B. The shape of every piece
- C. The kind of material
The answer is C: The kind of material
Physical weathering changes rock into smaller pieces without changing the
material into a different substance.
Abrasion happens when particles scrape or rub surfaces.
That clue helps us make sense of this place.
Water in cracks can freeze and expand, helping widen a crack.
Repeated heating and cooling can also contribute to physical breakdown.
What is abrasion?
- A. A chemical reaction that makes a new mineral
- B. Scraping or rubbing by particles
- C. Instant melting of all rock
The answer is B: Scraping or rubbing by particles
Physical weathering changes rock into smaller pieces without changing the
material into a different substance.
Abrasion happens when particles scrape or rub surfaces.
Hmm...
how does that connect to our first clue?
Our model compares a rock rubbed by sand with a
rock split by expanding ice.
Both show physical breakdown, even though the forces are different.
How can freezing water widen a crack?
- A. It expands as it freezes
- B. It becomes smaller and pulls the crack shut
- C. It changes into magma
The answer is A: It expands as it freezes
Water in cracks can freeze and expand, helping widen a crack.
Repeated heating and cooling can also contribute to physical breakdown.
Nice investigating!
You've been following the evidence.
Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.
Physical weathering changes rock into smaller pieces without changing the
material into a different substance.
Water in cracks can freeze and expand, helping widen a crack.
Our model compares a rock rubbed by sand with a
rock split by expanding ice.
You're ready to explore Wind-Carved Archway with me!
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