Weathering and Erosion Flashcard

Front

What is weathering?

Back

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

Front

What is erosion?

Back

The process of moving sediments from one location to another by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The process that changes the minerals in rocks through chemical reactions, such as oxidation.

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

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

Front

What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

Back

A type of chemical weathering where oxygen reacts with minerals, often leading to rust.

Front

What are sediments?

Back

Small pieces of rock and minerals that are formed by weathering.

Front

What role does water play in weathering?

Back

Water can cause both chemical and physical weathering by dissolving minerals and breaking rocks apart.

Front

What is freeze/thaw weathering?

Back

A type of physical weathering where water freezes in cracks of rocks, expands, and causes the rock to break apart.

Front

How do plants contribute to weathering?

Back

Plant roots can grow into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure and causing the rocks to break apart.

Front

What is abrasion?

Back

A type of physical weathering caused by the scraping or wearing away of rocks by other rocks or particles.