Question 47

A pile of debris, including rocks and vegetation, forms at the bottom of a steep hill over time.

This scenario illustrates deposition as it involves the accumulation of materials, such as rocks and vegetation, in a specific location over time due to gravitational forces.

A) A rain-induced mudslide removes a significant amount of the vegetation and soil from a hillside.

This option describes erosion rather than deposition. A mudslide involves the movement of soil and debris downhill, which leads to the removal of materials from one area rather than the accumulation in another.

B) A small river carves a deep canyon in limestone rock over a long period of time.

This scenario also exemplifies erosion. The river's action in cutting through the limestone indicates the removal of material, which is the opposite of deposition, where materials would accumulate rather than be worn away.

C) A pile of debris, including rocks and vegetation, forms at the bottom of a steep hill over time.

This option correctly represents deposition. The formation of a pile of debris at the base of a hill indicates that materials have settled and accumulated in that area due to gravity, fitting the definition of deposition.

D) The roots of a tree on a creek bank are exposed over time due to the flow of rainwater toward the creek.

This scenario highlights erosion, as the flowing rainwater is actively removing soil, which exposes the tree's roots. This process does not involve the addition or accumulation of materials, thus not demonstrating deposition.

Conclusion

The correct answer, option C, definitively illustrates deposition through the accumulation of debris at the base of a hill. All other options describe processes related to erosion, where materials are removed or transported away, rather than being deposited in a new location. Thus, option C stands out as the only scenario that clearly demonstrates the concept of deposition.