Weathering & Soil

Front

What is weathering?

Back

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Front

What is soil?

Back

A mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Bits of rock, sand, and silt caused by the weathering of rocks.

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

The breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions that change their composition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What type of climate causes the most weathering?

Back

Warm and humid climates promote the most weathering.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does sediment size affect total surface area?

Back

As sediment size increases, total surface area decreases.

Front

How does sediment size affect the rate of chemical weathering?

Back

As sediment size increases, the rate of chemical weathering decreases.

Front

What is the role of organic matter in soil?

Back

Organic matter improves soil structure, provides nutrients, and supports microbial life.

Front

What are the main components of soil?

Back

Minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3