Weathering, Erosion, Deposition

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What is weathering?

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

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What is deposition?

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The process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass.

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What is physical weathering?

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The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, often caused by temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or pressure.

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What is chemical weathering?

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The process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions, altering the minerals within the rock, such as through acid rain.

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What role do glaciers play in weathering and erosion?

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Glaciers are enormous masses of ice that move over land, causing significant weathering and erosion of rocks and soil.

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How do plants contribute to weathering?

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Plants weather rocks by growing roots into cracks, which expand and break the rocks apart.

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What is acid rain?

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Precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric or nitric acids, which can cause chemical weathering of rocks, especially limestone.

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What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

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A chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with minerals, often leading to rusting of iron-rich rocks.

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What is exfoliation?

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A type of physical weathering where layers of rock peel away due to temperature changes.