Question

Your class has taken a field trip to a local stream. You notice that the rocks in the water are rounded and smooth. Write a brief description of how you think the rocks changed over time.

Answer 1

The rounded and smooth rocks in a stream are the result of long-term erosion, where the constant flow of water wears down rock surfaces, a process influenced by the nature of sedimentary rocks and environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rocks you see in the stream are rounded and smooth due to a process called erosion, which happens over a long period of time. As the stream flows, it carries with it bits of soil, sand, and pebbles. These materials rub against the rocks in the water, acting like sandpaper to gradually wear down any sharp edges. Over time, this constant abrasion results in the rocks becoming rounder and smoother. The process can take many years, and it is a part of how the sedimentary rocks are formed and shaped in our environment. In addition to erosion by water, rocks can also be weathered down by other natural elements, like wind or ice, but in the context of a stream, water is the primary agent of erosion.