Which of the following is a typical way in which siltstone and shale are expressed in the landscape?

A) soft slopes covered by small, loose chips
B) slopes covered by loose debris from overlying rocks
C) valleys and other low areas carved into the landscape
D) badlands
E) all of these

Siltstone and shale are both types of sedimentary rock that are relatively soft and easily eroded compared to other rock types. This means they can contribute to various landscape features. They can form soft slopes covered by small, loose chips as they weather and break down (A), slopes covered by loose debris from overlying rocks as they erode and support the accumulation of material from above (B), and valleys or other low areas as they are more easily eroded by water and other forces, creating depressions in the landscape (C). Additionally, they are characteristic of badlands, which are landscapes extensively shaped by erosion, often revealing intricate patterns of these softer rocks (D). Therefore, all of these options are typical ways in which siltstone and shale can be expressed in the landscape.