Weathering and Erosion Flashcard Review

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process of moving particles of rock and soil from one place to another by water, ice, or wind.

Front

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering breaks down rock physically, while chemical weathering changes the chemical composition of the rock.

Front

What role does water play in erosion?

Back

Water can carry away soil and rock particles, shaping landscapes and forming features like canyons.

Front

How does tree removal affect soil erosion?

Back

Removing trees increases soil erosion because there are fewer roots to hold the soil in place.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of mechanical weathering.

Back

An example of mechanical weathering is freeze-thaw action, where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

Chemical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, such as when acid rain dissolves limestone.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment refers to small particles of rock and soil that are transported by erosion and can accumulate in new locations.

Front

How do plants contribute to weathering?

Back

Plants can contribute to weathering through root growth, which can break apart rocks, and by producing acids that chemically weather rocks.