Questions: Question 11 3 pts (02.03 MC) At a location, rainwater runs off the face of a cliff that is 15 meters high. How is the face of the cliff most likely to change over time? Physical weathering by water would carve out the face of the cliff. The top of the cliff will crack due to deposition of sediments. Colored mineral streaks would be formed at the top of the cliff due to erosion.

The answer is the first one: Physical weathering by water would carve out the face of the cliff.

Explanation for each option:

1. Physical weathering by water would carve out the face of the cliff.

   • This option is correct. Over time, rainwater running off the face of a cliff can lead to physical weathering. The mechanical action of water can erode the rock surface, gradually carving out the cliff face. This process is a common way cliffs are shaped and altered over time.

2. The top of the cliff will crack due to deposition of sediments.

   • This option is incorrect. Deposition of sediments typically occurs at the base of a cliff or in areas where water slows down, not at the top. Cracking at the top of a cliff is more likely due to other factors such as freeze-thaw cycles or root growth, not sediment deposition.

3. Colored mineral streaks would be formed at the top of the cliff due to erosion.

   • This option is incorrect. While erosion can expose different minerals and create streaks, it is more common for these streaks to appear on the face of the cliff rather than at the top. Additionally, erosion itself does not create mineral streaks; it merely exposes existing ones.

In summary, the most likely change to the face of the cliff over time due to rainwater is physical weathering, which carves out the cliff face.