Week 14 Weathering & Erosion Flashcard

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by wind, water, or ice.

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What is sediment?

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Sediment refers to small particles of rock and soil that are transported and deposited by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice.

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What is mechanical weathering?

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Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

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

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What is frost action?

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Frost action is a type of mechanical weathering that occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to break apart.

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What is root wedging?

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Root wedging is a process where plant roots grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure and causing the rocks to fracture.

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What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

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Oxidation is a chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with minerals, particularly iron, leading to rusting and weakening of the rock.

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What is the role of acid rain in weathering?

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Acid rain is a type of chemical weathering that occurs when rainwater becomes acidic, leading to the dissolution of minerals in rocks.

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How does weathering affect soil formation?

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Weathering contributes to soil formation by breaking down rocks into smaller particles that mix with organic matter to create soil.