Weathering
Weathering is a simple, consistent force that, over time, creates majestic canyons, hollows out mountains and carves intricate arches. Rain is one of many weathering catalysts. Whether it's a torrential downpour or a gentle spring mist, the settling of water from the atmosphere onto the lithosphere changes its environment dramatically. One way to visualize this effect is by simulating how rain weathers sandstone by crating a synthetic sandstone analogue.
Instructions
1. Line the wood box with the large garbage bag.
2. Fill the plastic lined box with sand, preferably sand of varying sized grains.
3. Hang the hose and spray nozzle above the wood box with the nozzle pointing toward the sand. Adjust the nozzle to a spray formation.
4. Pile the sand within the box into mounds to simulate mountains and rock formations.
5. Turn the water on and discuss the way the flow and settling of the water resembles the effect of rain over hundreds, thousands and millions of years. Discuss the relationship between weathering and erosion, noting the way the sediments are transported and deposited.
Tags: settling water, wood with
