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Geology and National Parks

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Submitted By Lechocolatnoir
Words 1608
Pages 7
Gertrude Obeng
Geology
Geology and National Parks Final
11/27/2013

PART 1 Weathering is the gradual destruction of rock when it comes to certain surface donitions, it can occur with a physical process as well as chemically and of course living things can and will weather as well. The breakdown of minerals can and will vary from surface to surface and depending on the type of weathering that’s happening, it can either have a tiny effect over a long period of time or a major effect over a short and long period of time. It’s known to loosen and alter material and transform minerals and material into a whole different landform. Then we have erosion which is the breakdown and movement of a planet’s urface by the action of gravity, running water, waves, currents, ice and wind, this too also gradually wears away landforms. Which makes weathering and erosion completely two different things but also one in the same. The major importance of both weather and erosion when speaking about flat landforms is the fact that these two occurrences had probably created that flat landform. We are able to experience and have the pleasure of having mountains, slopes, and different shaped landforms because of weathering and erosion. National Parks like Nevada’s Great Basin are prime examples of what weathering and erosion can create over time. The basin is home to many landforms and mountains that have been narrowed and shaped by running water, different types of weathering like snow, hail, rain and wind and of course erosion isn’t too far from it either.

Part 2 A cave is a natural made hollow and underground passage or opening to the surface. Most caves are called karst landscapes or even sinkholes and are mostly limestone caves. Rain water, running water and carbon dioxide mixed in sometimes with carbonic acid is what is collected and is what wears away on these

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