Geologic Process and History

Front

What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

Back

Oxidation is a chemical weathering process where minerals in rocks react with oxygen, leading to the breakdown of the rock.

Front

Define mechanical weathering.

Back

Mechanical weathering is the process through which rocks are physically broken into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What do rocks turn into when they undergo weathering and erosion?

Back

Rocks change into sediment when they are affected by weathering and erosion.

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

Sea floor spreading is the process that creates new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges and moves it away from the ridges.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the movement of rock and soil by water, wind, or ice.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small, solid pieces of material that come from rocks or living things, often formed through weathering and erosion.

Front

Explain the process of deposition.

Back

Deposition is the process where sediments are laid down in new locations after being transported by erosion.

Front

What is the role of water in chemical weathering?

Back

Water can dissolve minerals in rocks, leading to chemical changes and the breakdown of the rock.

Front

Define plate tectonics.

Back

Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the hypothesis that continents move across the Earth's surface over geological time.