Question

which statements about the cycle of weathering, erosion, and deposition are true? check all that apply. deposition leads to the breakdown of mountains. erosion occurs even when mountains are forming. gravity does not affect the rate of erosion. when new mountains or plateaus form, the cycle starts over. weathering, erosion, and deposition have almost leveled earths surface.

Explanation:

• Erosion occurs even when mountains are forming: Erosion is a continuous process. As mountains are being uplifted (formed), agents like water, wind, etc., start eroding them.
• When new mountains or plateaus form, the cycle starts over: The cycle of weathering (breaking down rocks), erosion (transporting the weathered material), and deposition (depositing the eroded material) is a continuous process. When new landforms (mountains or plateaus) are created through tectonic activity, the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition act on them, starting the cycle anew.
• Weathering, erosion, and deposition have almost leveled Earth’s surface: Over long geological time - scales (billions of years), the combined action of weathering (physical, chemical, and biological), erosion (by various agents like rivers, glaciers, wind), and deposition has worked to reduce the relief (height differences) on the Earth's surface.

• Deposition leads to the breakdown of mountains: Deposition is the process of depositing eroded material. It does not break down mountains. Weathering breaks down mountains.
• Gravity does not affect the rate of erosion: Gravity plays a significant role. For example, in mass - wasting (a type of erosion), gravity causes rocks and soil to move downslope. Also, the flow of water (a major erosional agent) in rivers is influenced by gravity.

Answer:

Erosion occurs even when mountains are forming. When new mountains or plateaus form, the cycle starts over. Weathering, erosion, and deposition have almost leveled Earth’s surface.