MS-ESS2-1: Rock Cycle and Energy Flow

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Weathering Noun

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[weth-er-ing]

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Weathering

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The natural process of breaking down rocks and other materials on Earth's surface into much smaller pieces.

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Example: A river eroding the land shows how weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces.

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Erosion Noun

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[ee-roh-zhun]

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Erosion

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The process of moving sediment and other materials from one location to another by natural forces like water or wind.

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Example: Wind moves sand and dust particles, showing erosion by transporting materials from one place to another.

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Physical Weathering Noun

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

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Physical Weathering

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The mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without altering their fundamental chemical composition or makeup.

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Example: A river eroding a riverbank shows physical weathering by breaking rocks into smaller pieces.

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Sediment Noun

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[sed-uh-muhnt]

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Sediment

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Small pieces of rock, soil, and other materials broken down by weathering and transported by the forces of erosion.

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Example: The image shows layers of sediment, including small rocks and soil, deposited by water over time.

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Abrasion Noun

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[uh-brey-zhuhn]

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Abrasion

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

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Example: Water in a river scraping away the rock surface, showing how abrasion works.

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Ice Wedging Noun

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[ays wej-ing]

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Ice Wedging

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A form of physical weathering where water freezes and expands in rock cracks, eventually forcing the rock to break apart.

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

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Talus Noun

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[tal-uhs]

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Talus

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A sloping pile of rock fragments and broken debris that gathers at the bottom of a cliff or steep slope.

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Example: The image shows a talus slope, where rock fragments gather at the base of a cliff.

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Chemical Weathering Noun

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

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Chemical Weathering

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The decomposition of rock through chemical reactions that alter the rock's mineral composition and create new substances.

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Example: Chemical reactions have altered this limestone, showing grooves and changes in shape.

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Carbonic Acid Noun

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[kahr-bon-ik as-id]

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Carbonic Acid

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A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, capable of slowly dissolving certain rocks such as limestone.

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Example: Water and carbon dioxide combine to form carbonic acid, shown with molecular structures.

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Karst Topography Noun

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[kahrst tuh-pog-ruh-fee]

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Karst Topography

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A landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, featuring distinct landforms like sinkholes, caves, and underground streams.

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Example: A cave with labeled stalactites and stalagmites shows karst topography formed by rock dissolution.