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e-Journal

How Mountains Break Down (p. 224)


Step 1. Questions

Even a massive mountain can slowly crumble over time. Bit by bit, the rock breaks down until it becomes earth again.

Summarize how a mountain breaks down. You can research weathering online and use "Land Over Time" on page 224 of your textbook. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • What is weathering?
  • What are some different types of weathering?
  • How does a mountain slowly break down over time? What is the sequence of events?
  • How long does the weathering process take?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

You may use search engines to research other Web sites. Or research weathering in the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your summary.

Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to save the address of a Web page.


Do Rocks Last Forever?
Read this Web page for information about how rocks break down over time. When you are done with your research, you can ask an adult to help you try the experiments. This Web page comes from the California Department of Conservation.
Take Notes:



Break It Down
This Web page has a good explanation of erosion, which is related to weathering. Once you are done, click on WEATHERING to learn more about how mountains break down. These pages are part of an educational Web site called Geography 4 Kids.
Take Notes:



The Weathering Story
Look at the photographs and read the text to learn about the many ways rocks can break down. You can use the underlined links at the top of the page to go directly to a specific topic. This Web page is hosted by Bear Mountain State Park in New York State.
Take Notes:



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