GRADE 5
WEATHERING
& EROSION
WEEK 1 QUARTER 4
WHAT AM I?
Have you seen a marble floor? A
stone carving? Or simply rugged
stone. Can you describe them?
How about a construction on the
road side? What happens to the
rocks when the construction worker
operates his jackhammer on these?
Can you describe it?
WEATHERING
Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks
and minerals into smaller pieces or changes their
chemical composition over time, usually due to
exposure to elements like wind, water, and
temperature changes.
Example: Over time, rocks in a desert might break
down because of the hot days and cold nights,
causing them to crack and crumble.
MECHANICAL WEATHERING
(also called Physical Weathering)
Mechanical weathering happens when rocks are
broken down into smaller pieces without changing
their chemical composition. This happens due to
physical forces like temperature changes, water, wind,
or ice.
MECHANICAL WEATHERING
Examples:
Abrasion: Wind or
water can wear
down rocks over
time, making them
smoother or
smaller.
MECHANICAL WEATHERING
Examples:
Freeze-thaw:
Water gets into
cracks in a rock,
freezes, and
expands. The ice
makes the rock
crack further.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING
Chemical weathering is when rocks and minerals are
broken down by chemical reactions, often with water
or oxygen. This changes the minerals in the rock and
can make them weaker.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING
Examples:
Rusting: When iron
in rocks reacts with
water and oxygen, it
forms rust (iron
oxide), which
weakens the rock.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING
Examples:
Acid Rain: Rainwater,
which can be acidic
from pollution, can
dissolve minerals in
rocks like limestone,
causing them to
break down.
Directions: Identify the correct answer
1. Composed of rocks differ in terms of
size, shapes, and colors. Mechanical
2. Physical wearing away of rocks.
Chemical Earth
3. Change in the composition of rocks.
4. Important process that helps shape Rocks
the Earth`s surface. Weathering
5. Seem to be very hard, dense and
indestructible.
Directions: Read the paragraph below. Some words are missing. Fill in the blanks
with the correct words from the list provided.
Word List:
(chemical, mechanical, weathering, water, ice, rocks)
Weathering is the process by which __________ break down into smaller pieces due
to natural forces. There are two main types of __________:
__________ and __________.
__________ weathering happens when __________ causes rocks to break apart
without changing their chemical structure. For example, when __________ freezes in
the cracks of rocks, it expands and causes the rocks to crack and break.
On the other hand, __________ weathering occurs when the chemical composition
of the rock changes, often caused by __________ or other substances.
Weathering is the process by which
__________ break down into smaller
pieces due to natural forces. There are
two main types of __________:
__________ and __________.
-rocks
-weathering
-chemical
-mechanical
CHEMICAL OR
MECHANICAL???
CHEMICAL OR
MECHANICAL???
CHEMICAL OR
MECHANICAL???
CHEMICAL OR
MECHANICAL???
WEATHERING
Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks
and minerals into smaller pieces or changes their
chemical composition over time, usually due to
exposure to elements like wind, water, and
temperature changes.
Example: Over time, rocks in a desert might break
down because of the hot days and cold nights,
causing them to crack and crumble.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Agents of weathering are natural forces or
processes that cause rocks and minerals to break
down over time.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Animals
Animals, like burrowing creatures, can break down
rocks by digging or moving through the ground, which
causes the rocks to break into smaller pieces.
Example: A rabbit digging a burrow can break up the
soil and rocks around it.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Humans
Human activities like construction, mining, or
agriculture can speed up the process of weathering
by disturbing the land and rocks.
Example: When humans build roads or buildings, they
can cause rocks to break apart or expose them to the
elements, which leads to weathering.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Plants
Plants, especially tree roots, can break rocks apart as
their roots grow and spread. The roots can enter
cracks in rocks, making the cracks wider and
eventually causing the rocks to break.
Example: The roots of a tree growing in a rock can
force the rock to crack and break over time.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Temperature
Temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and
contract. When this happens repeatedly, rocks can
crack and break apart.
Example: In places where it’s hot during the day and
cold at night, rocks can expand in the heat and
contract in the cold, leading to cracks.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Wind
Wind can carry small particles, like sand, that scratch
and wear down rocks over time. This is called
abrasion.
Example: In deserts, strong winds blow sand particles
that slowly wear down rocks and make them
smoother.
AGENTS OF WEATHERING
Water
Water is one of the most powerful agents of
weathering. It can break down rocks by flowing over
them, causing erosion, or by freezing in cracks, which
makes the rocks break apart.
Example: A river that flows over rocks can gradually
wear them down. Water that freezes in cracks can
cause rocks to break apart.
Direction: Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. Which of the following is NOT an agent of weathering?
a) Wind
b) Water
c) Soil
d) Plants
2. What type of weathering occurs when water enters cracks in
rocks and freezes, causing the rocks to break apart?
a) Chemical weathering
b) Biological weathering
c) Physical weathering
d) Erosion
3. Which agent of weathering is responsible for breaking down
rocks when it mixes with carbon dioxide in the air to form acid
rain?
a) Wind
b) Water
c) Plants
d) Animals
4. How do plants contribute to the weathering of rocks?
a) By absorbing sunlight
b) By growing roots that break rocks apart
c) By carrying away pieces of rock
d) By dissolving rocks with acids
5. Which of the following is an example of weathering caused
by wind?
a) A rock being dissolved by acid rain
b) Sandpapering of rocks due to blowing sand
c) A rock splitting due to temperature changes
d) A rock breaking into smaller pieces due to freezing water
Match the items in Column A with their correct description in Column B by
writing the letter of the correct description in the space provided.
Column A Column B
1. Water a) The breakdown of rocks caused by plant roots
that grow into cracks.
2. Wind b) The force of ice causing rocks to break apart
when it freezes in cracks.
3. Temperature c) Changes in temperature causing rocks to
expand and contract, leading to cracks.
4. Ice d) Water can dissolve minerals in rocks, causing
them to break down chemically.
5. Roots of Plants e) Strong winds carrying sand or dust, which
wear down rocks and surfaces.
6. Chemical Weathering f) Rain, rivers, and oceans can break down rocks
through erosion.
SOIL EROSION
Soil erosion is the process in which
the top layer of the soil is worn away
or removed by natural forces like
water, wind, and human activities. This
often happens when the soil becomes
loose and can no longer stay in place.
SOIL EROSION
Soil is very important because it is where
plants grow, and it provides nutrients for
crops and trees. If soil erosion happens
too much, it can make the land less
fertile and harder for people to grow
food. It can also lead to landslides,
flooding, and loss of habitats for animals.
WATER
Water is one of the biggest causes of
soil erosion, especially during heavy
rains or floods. The flow of water can
carry away the topsoil from the land.
WATER
In the Philippines, during typhoons or the
rainy season, rivers and rainwater can
wash away the soil, causing erosion
along mountain slopes, farmlands, and
riverbanks.
WATER
WIND
Wind can also cause soil erosion,
especially in dry areas where there is
little plant cover to hold the soil in place.
Strong winds can blow away loose soil,
especially in open fields or deserts.
WIND
In areas of the Philippines where
deforestation has occurred, or in coastal
regions with little vegetation, wind
erosion can be a problem.
WIND
ANIMALS
Animals, particularly those that graze on
grasslands like cows, goats, or sheep,
can contribute to soil erosion. When
animals eat plants and disturb the soil,
they make the land more prone to
erosion, especially on slopes.
ANIMALS
In some parts of the Philippines,
overgrazing by livestock can lead to soil
erosion because the plants that help
protect the soil are eaten away, leaving
the soil exposed.
ANIMALS
HUMAN
Human activities such as deforestation,
farming, construction, and mining can
also cause soil erosion. When trees are
cut down or the land is not managed
properly, the soil becomes exposed and
can be easily eroded by wind and water.
HUMAN
n the Philippines, clearing forests for
farming or building roads can lead to soil
erosion because the protective plants
and trees are removed, making the soil
vulnerable to erosion.
HUMAN
HOW DOES SLOPE AFFECT
EROSION?
Steeper slopes lead to increased erosion
because water flows faster, carrying
away more soil and sediment. With less
vegetation to hold the soil in place, the
land is more vulnerable to erosion.
SLOPE/ INCLINED SURFACE
Direction: Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. Which of the following is an agent of soil erosion that can carry away
soil during heavy rain or floods?
a) Wind
b) Water
c) Animals
d) Trees
2. What can happen when there are no plants or trees to hold the soil in
place?
a) Soil will become fertile
b) Soil will erode and wash away
c) Soil will become harder
d) Soil will remain in place
3. Which of the following agents of soil erosion is most active in deserts
or dry areas?
a) Wind
b) Water
c) Ice
d) Animals
4. How can human activities, like deforestation, affect soil erosion?
a) It helps prevent soil erosion
b) It makes soil erosion worse
c) It stops water from flowing
d) It creates new land
5. Which of the following methods can be used to prevent soil erosion
caused by water?
a) Planting grass or trees
b) Cutting down trees
c) Building more roads
d) Using pesticides
Direction:
Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. Write
the letter of your answer on the space provided.
1. Which of the following is an example of an agent of soil erosion
caused by natural forces?
a) Deforestation
b) Overgrazing by livestock
c) Water
d) Construction of roads
2. How does wind contribute to soil erosion?
a) It carries water to wash away soil.
b) It breaks down rocks into smaller particles.
c) It lifts soil particles and blows them to another area.
d) It helps plants grow, preventing erosion.
3. Which of the following is a human activity that can cause soil
erosion?
a) Planting trees
b) Over farming or improper farming practices
c) Water flowing in rivers
d) Planting grass
4. Which animal activity can contribute to soil erosion?
a) Beavers building dams
b) Earthworms aerating the soil
c) Livestock grazing on grasslands
d) Birds flying through the air
5. How can water cause soil erosion?
a) By freezing and breaking rocks into pieces.
b) By washing away soil from the surface during heavy rainfall or
floods.
c) By carrying dust and soil through the air.
d) By protecting soil from being disturbed.
EFFECTS OF SOIL
EROSION AND WAYS
HOW TO CONTROL SOIL
EROSION
EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION ON LANDFORMS:
Soil erosion occurs constantly, but noticeable
changes take hundreds of years. It can lead to the
formation of sand dunes and other landmass
changes. Erosion can destroy large areas of land
and transform mountains into hills or plateaus.
Activities like deforestation, mining, and land
conversion accelerate erosion, causing
environmental damage.
EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION ON LIVING THINGS:
Impact on Plants:
Plants rely on topsoil for nutrients, but
erosion removes this layer. Without
topsoil, plants struggle to grow,
leading to reduced food production.
EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION ON LIVING THINGS:
Impact on Water Supply:
Eroded soil becomes dry, coarse, and
unable to retain water. Washed-away
sediments clog irrigation systems,
further reducing plant water supply.
EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION ON LIVING THINGS:
Impact on Humans and Animals:
Reduced plant growth means less
food for both animals and humans.
Farmers suffer due to infertile soil,
affecting their livelihoods.
EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION ON LIVING THINGS:
Pollution from Mining:
Erosion carries mine tailings into water
bodies, polluting seas and rivers.
Polluted water harms aquatic life and
contaminates drinking water sources.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Contour Plowing Involves plowing along
the natural curves (contours) of the land
instead of straight up and down. Slows
down the flow of water, preventing it from
carrying away soil. Commonly used in
hilly and mountainous areas to reduce
soil loss.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Strip Cropping Alternates planting
different crops in strips across a slope.
Grass and low-growing plants are planted
between rows of crops to hold moisture
and reduce erosion. Helps improve soil
fertility and protects against heavy
rainfall.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Terracing Involves creating flat terraces
or steps on slopes to control water flow.
Slows down runoff and prevents soil from
being washed away. A famous example is
the Banaue Rice Terraces in the
Philippines. Commonly used in highland
farming to maximize arable land.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Crop Rotation The practice of planting
different crops in a field each season. Helps
maintain soil quality and prevent nutrient
depletion. Reduces the risk of pest
infestation and soil erosion. Example: A
farmer plants corn one season and cabbage
the next, allowing the soil to recover.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Riprapping Involves placing stones, rocks,
or concrete along slopes, riverbanks, and
shorelines. Acts as a barrier to slow water
flow and reduce erosion. Helps in stabilizing
areas prone to landslides and flooding.
Commonly used in coastal areas and along
rivers.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Natural Vegetation Forests protect the soil by
acting as a natural shield against rain and wind.
Fallen leaves and moss cover the ground,
reducing surface runoff and soil loss. Tree
roots bind the soil together, preventing
landslides and erosion. More root systems
mean a stronger hold on the soil, making it less
prone to erosion.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Windbreaks Trees are planted in straight
rows to block strong winds. Reduces wind
speed and prevents topsoil from being
blown away. Protects crops from wind
damage and improves farm productivity.
Commonly used in open fields and
agricultural areas prone to wind erosion.
WAYS HOW TO CONTROL SOIL EROSION
Directions: TRUE or FALSE
1. Soil erosion happens when wind or water moves the top
layer of soil away.
2. Soil erosion makes the land more fertile and better for
planting crops.
3. Planting trees and grass can help reduce soil erosion.
4. Terracing is a method used to stop erosion by creating
steps on steep land.
5. Soil erosion only happens in areas with heavy rainfall.
