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Science → Earth's Surface Processes

Weathering vs. Erosion

What are you trying to remember?

How can you remember the difference between weathering and erosion?

The Cue

WEAthering → WEAkens rocks in place | Erosion → Exports broken pieces

Why it works

Weathering breaks down rocks where they are without transporting them. Erosion moves rock fragments and soil to new locations through water, wind, ice, or gravity.

One-line recall

Weathering → Break in place · Erosion → Move away

Quick Check

A river carries small rocks downstream. Which process is occurring?