Earth's Surface and Systems

Front

uniformitarianism Noun

---

[yoon-uh-form-uh-TAYR-ee-un-iz-um]

Back

uniformitarianism

---

The principle that geologic processes operating today also operated in the past, shaping Earth's surface over long periods.

---

Example: Layers of sediment build up over time, preserving fossils, showing consistent geological processes.

Front

weathering Noun

---

[weth-er-ing]

Back

weathering

---

The natural process that breaks down rock and other substances on Earth's surface through various physical and chemical means.

---

Example: The image shows layers of rock and soil, illustrating how weathering breaks down Earth's surface over time.

Front

permeable Adjective

---

[PUR-mee-uh-bul]

Back

permeable

---

Describing a material full of tiny, connected air spaces that allow water or other fluids to seep through it.

---

Example: The image shows how water can move through the pore spaces in permeable sandstone.

Front

climate Noun

---

[kly-mit]

Back

climate

---

The average weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, that are characteristic of a particular area over a long period.

---

Example: The image shows solar radiation reaching Earth, some being reflected back, and the rest trapped by greenhouse gases, warming the planet.

Front

mechanical weathering Noun

---

[muh-kan-i-kuhl weth-er-ing]

Back

mechanical weathering

---

The type of weathering in which rock is physically broken into smaller pieces without changing its chemical composition.

---

Example: A river erodes rock, breaking it into smaller pieces without changing its chemical composition.

Front

frost wedging Noun

---

[frost wej-ing]

Back

frost wedging

---

A process of mechanical weathering where water freezes in rock cracks, expands, and breaks the rock apart over time.

---

Example: Water freezes in rock cracks, expands, and breaks the rock apart over time.

Front

abrasion Noun

---

[uh-BRAY-zhun]

Back

abrasion

---

The wearing away of rock surfaces by friction from rock particles carried by water, ice, wind, or gravity.

---

Example: Water in a river carries particles that wear away rock surfaces, demonstrating abrasion.

Front

chemical weathering Noun

---

[kem-i-kuhl weth-er-ing]

Back

chemical weathering

---

The process that breaks down rock through chemical changes, often creating new minerals and altering the rock's composition.

---

Example: Chemical weathering changes the rock's surface, creating new shapes and textures.

Front

acid rain Noun

---

[as-id rayn]

Back

acid rain

---

Rainwater that is more acidic than normal due to air pollution, which significantly accelerates the process of chemical weathering.

---

Example: Factory emissions mix with water vapor to form acid rain, harming trees and soil.

Front

erosion Noun

---

[ih-roh-zhuhn]

Back

erosion

---

The process by which rock particles and soil are moved from one location to another by wind, water, or ice.

---

Example: A river eroding soil and rock, showing how water moves particles from one place to another.