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weathering is the process that breaks rocks into smaller and smaller pieces called sediment.
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erosion-the process that moves this sediment to another location.
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deposition-when sediment that is being moved is dropped or deposited in a new location.
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forces that cause erosion are wind, water, gravity, and glaciers.
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forces that cause deposition are wind, water, gravity, and glaciers. Water is the major cause of weathering, erosion, and deposition.
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sand dunes are an example of deposition caused by the wind.
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deltas are formed at the mouths of rivers when the river enters a large body of water such as a lake or the ocean. The water slows down and drops the sediment it is carrying. As the sediment piles up, it forms a delta.
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beach sand is moved by waves and ocean currents.
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longshore currents carry sand up and down the beach. they help form barrier islands which help protect the land from hurricanes.
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glaciers carve out huge amounts of rock and sediment and carry it as they slide downhill. As they melt, they leave behind this sediment. Glaciers carved out the Great Lakes.
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mountains are constantly being worn down and carried away by the forces of weathering, erosion, and deposition.