Physical and Chemical Weathering Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering (physical weathering) is the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces caused by natural processes that do not change the chemical composition.

Front

How do plant roots contribute to weathering?

Back

Plant roots can grow within the cracks of rocks, contributing to the weathering process.

Front

What is ice/frost wedging?

Back

Ice/frost wedging is a type of physical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to break apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

Back

Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a material combines with oxygen to form a new material; in geology, it is a form of chemical weathering.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

What is wind abrasion?

Back

Wind abrasion is the process where small rock particles picked up by the wind are blown at other rocks, causing them to break down.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What are the two main types of weathering?

Back

The two main types of weathering are mechanical (physical) weathering and chemical weathering.

Front

Give an example of a natural process that causes mechanical weathering.

Back

An example of a natural process that causes mechanical weathering is freeze-thaw cycles.

Front

What role does temperature play in weathering?

Back

Temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to mechanical weathering.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks, leading to the formation of new minerals and solutes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

How does water contribute to chemical weathering?

Back

Water can dissolve minerals and facilitate chemical reactions that lead to the breakdown of rocks.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5