How is Earth's surface built up from above?
Both erosion and deposition are gradual processes; however, they are not the same. Erosion is a destructive force, meaning that it wears down the land. In contrast, deposition is a constructive force, which means that it is the opposite of destructive. Deposition helps create a variety of surface features. Some of these surface features include meanders, alluvial fans, and deltas. Meanders are winding smooth curves of rivers as they move across wide flat regions. An alluvial fan is a fan-shaped land mass that forms after a river rushes down a steep slope, then slows over a flat plain. Deltas are low plains that form where a river enters an ocean.
Both erosion and deposition are gradual processes; however, they are not the same. Erosion is a destructive force, meaning that it wears down the land. In contrast, deposition is a constructive force, which means that it is the opposite of destructive. Deposition helps create a variety of surface features. Some of these surface features include meanders, alluvial fans, and deltas. Meanders are winding smooth curves of rivers as they move across wide flat regions. An alluvial fan is a fan-shaped land mass that forms after a river rushes down a steep slope, then slows over a flat plain. Deltas are low plains that form where a river enters an ocean.