2026 GMAS 5th Grade Science Complete Practice Test

Erosion is the process of sediment being moved away from where it formed by natural forces such as running water, wind, moving ice, or gravity. That’s why the idea of carrying away of sediment is the best description. Weathering, on the other hand, is rocks breaking down into smaller pieces in place, before any movement happens. Deposition is what occurs when that moving sediment settles down in a new location. Melting ice isn’t erosion by itself, though water from melting ice can contribute to erosion by helping carry sediment.