Weathering and Erosion Flashcard

Front

What is weathering?

Back

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

Front

What is erosion?

Back

The movement of weathered rock pieces from one location to another by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

The process of breaking a large rock into smaller pieces without changing the minerals.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The process that involves a chemical reaction that changes the minerals in rocks.

Front

What are sediments?

Back

Pieces of rock and soil that have been broken down by weathering.

Front

What role does water play in weathering?

Back

Water can cause both mechanical and chemical weathering, such as freezing and thawing or dissolving minerals.

Front

What is an example of mechanical weathering?

Back

Freezing water breaking rocks apart.

Front

What can cause weathering?

Back

Water, air, chemicals, plants, and animals.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces.

Front

What is the role of plants in weathering?

Back

Plants can contribute to weathering through root growth that breaks apart rocks.