At-home STEM Activities: Erosion Box
The Grand Canyon was created by erosion—the Colorado River carved through the red rocks forming the american landmark; Image via travelchannel.com
Erosion is not a process exclusive to Earth, though. Geologists use their knowledge of what happens on Earth to study other planets, like Mars. Scientists examine photos taken by Mars rovers to study the red planet. Because of wind erosion, geologists can see layers of rock that make up the surface of Mars, as well as martian wind patterns. By comparing erosion patterns to those seen on Earth, scientists were able to come to the conclusion that there may have been water on Mars.
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado; image via NASA
Sand ripples on the surface of Mars; Image via NASA
Yukon River Delta in Alaska; image via NASA
Eberswalde Delta on Mars; image via NASA
Let’s explore the power of wind, water, and ice on our landscapes!
Erosion Box
Materials:
Rectangular, plastic bin
Soil
Straw
Watering can and water
Ice cubes
Newspaper or other covering to keep your floor clean
Instructions:
1. Pour your soil into the plastic bin, and build a slope of soil on one side of the bin.
2. First we’ll simulate wind erosion. Using the straw, blow on the slope of soil. What effects do you see?
In our example, the air moved a small amount of soil
3. Next, simulate water erosion. Pour water from the watering can at the top of the slope. What do you observe now? Did the water cause more, less, or the same amount of erosion as the wind?
In our example, the water moved a lot of soil and left trails where the water traveled
4. Pour out the water and rebuild your slope. Now, we’ll simulate glaciers. Place 2 or 3 ice cubes at the top of the slope, and give them time to melt—it will take some time. Observe what happens as the ice cubes melt.
In our example, the ice tamped down the soil where the ice cubes sat
Take this activity further:
Humans and animals can change the landscape around them. Due to human and animal activity, the way land is eroded can change. Plant some seedlings in your soil slope or cover it with gravel, then try eroding the slope with wind, water, and ice again. What effects do you see now? Do the plants and rocks change how the soil erodes?
Explore erosion on Mars. The University of Arizona’s High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) posts full-resolution, detailed photos of the surface of Mars every day. Check out their Image Catalog and look for signs of erosion of the red planet!
