Final answer:
The answer of the given statement that "A student takes a piece of cardboard and cuts a regular slit in it. He then places two sheets of paper below and the cardboard and pulls them through the slit. The sheets are pulled by their edges in opposite directions. Which extremely slow process is he trying to model?" is c) Formation of the Grand Canyon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process being modeled here is erosion, specifically the erosive forces that lead to the formation of features like the Grand Canyon. When the student cuts a regular slit in the cardboard and pulls the sheets of paper through it, it simulates the action of a river cutting through rock layers over an extended period. The back-and-forth motion of the sheets mimics the gradual wearing away of the earth's surface over time, resulting in the creation of deep canyons.
In this experiment, the cardboard represents the resistant rock layers, the slit symbolizes the path of the river, and the sheets of paper represent the softer rock layers being eroded away. The opposing directional pull on the sheets represents the erosive forces acting on both sides of the riverbanks. The repeated movement through the slit illustrates the continuous process of erosion that occurs over millions of years, leading to the development of features like the Grand Canyon.
This experiment helps students understand the concept of slow geological processes and the role of erosion in shaping landscapes. It provides a tangible and visual representation of the forces at play in the natural world, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable.