Weathering and Soil

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Uniformitarianism Noun

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[yoo-nuh-form-uh-TAIR-ee-un-iz-um]

Back

Uniformitarianism

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The principle stating that geologic processes observed today are the same as those that occurred in the distant past.

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Example: Fossils in sediment layers show how geologic processes like sedimentation happen over time.

Front

Weathering Noun

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[weth-er-ing]

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Weathering

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The natural process that breaks down rocks and other substances on the surface of the Earth into smaller pieces.

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Example: A river erodes land, breaking down rocks and soil over time.

Front

Erosion Noun

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[ee-ROH-zhun]

Back

Erosion

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The process of removing and transporting rock particles from one location to another by wind, water, ice, or gravity.

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Example: A river eroding the land, carrying soil and rock particles downstream.

Front

Mechanical Weathering Noun

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

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Mechanical Weathering

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The physical process of breaking down rock into smaller pieces without altering its chemical composition.

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Example: A river eroding a riverbank shows mechanical weathering as water physically breaks down rock.

Front

Chemical Weathering Noun

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

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Chemical Weathering

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The process that breaks down rock through chemical reactions, often creating new minerals and substances.

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Example: Rainwater causes chemical reactions that break down rocks over time.

Front

Abrasion Noun

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[uh-BRAY-zhun]

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Abrasion

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The wearing away of rock surfaces by the grinding and scraping action of rock particles carried by natural agents.

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Example: A river erodes the land, showing how water carries particles that grind and scrape rock surfaces.

Front

Frost Wedging Noun

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[frost wej-ing]

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Frost Wedging

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The mechanical weathering process where water freezes and expands in rock cracks, forcing them to widen and break apart.

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

Front

Acid Rain Noun

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[as-id rayn]

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Acid Rain

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Rain that has become more acidic than normal due to air pollution, causing rapid chemical weathering of materials.

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Example: Pollutants from factories mix with water in the air to form acid rain, damaging trees and soil.

Front

Permeable Adjective

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[PUR-mee-uh-bul]

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Permeable

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Describing a material that has tiny, connected air spaces allowing fluids like water to pass through it.

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Example: The image shows water passing through layers of soil and rock, demonstrating permeability.

Front

Climate Noun

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[klahy-mit]

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Climate

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The long-term average of weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, in a particular area.

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Example: The image shows different climate zones and their typical seasons, explaining how climate varies by region.