Differential Weathering Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are sediments?

Smaller pieces of rock (correct)

Larger pieces of rock

Liquid rock

None of the above

What is weathering?

The process by which rocks are broken down into sediments slowly over time.

Define differential weathering.

When weathering occurs in a landscape with different types of rocks that erode at different rates.

What is the Law of Superposition?

When sediments and rocks are deposited horizontally so each rock layer is older than the layer above it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Geological Time Scale refer to?

System of chronological measurement that relates stratigraphy to time. Signup and view all the answers

What is metamorphic rock?

Rocks that change due to pressure and heat. Signup and view all the answers

Define stratigraphy.

The study of rock layers and layering. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fossil record?

The millions of fossils that scientists have collected. Signup and view all the answers

What are igneous rocks?

Rocks formed when magma cools beneath Earth's surface or when lava cools at Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is cementation?

The process by which dissolved minerals crystallize and glue particles of sediment together into one mass. Signup and view all the answers

Define chemical weathering.

The process that breaks down rock through chemical changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is compaction in geology?

The process that presses sediments together. Signup and view all the answers

What does deposition refer to?

Process in which sediment is laid down in new locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is erosion?

The process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fossil?

A trace of an ancient organism that has been preserved in rock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the fossil record and geological time?

Fossil records provide evidence of life forms throughout Earth's history. Signup and view all the answers

What are igneous rocks formed by?

The cooling of molten rock (either magma or lava). Signup and view all the answers

What is lava?

Magma that reaches Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

Define mechanical weathering.

The breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means. Signup and view all the answers

What is a metamorphic rock?

Rock that has been changed by heat and pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rock cycle?

The series of processes that change one type of rock into another type of rock. Signup and view all the answers

What are rock strata?

Layers of rock. Signup and view all the answers

What are sediments composed of?

Small pieces of rock, soil, and other materials. Signup and view all the answers

Define sedimentary rock.

A rock that forms from compressed or cemented layers of sediment. Signup and view all the answers

What does stratigraphy study?

The study of rock layers. Signup and view all the answers

What is weathering in geology?

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weathering Processes

Sediments: Smaller pieces of rock, soil, and other materials formed through weathering.
Weathering: A slow process that breaks down rocks into sediments over time, affecting various landscapes differently.
Differential Weathering: Occurs in areas with varied rock types, leading to different erosion rates and landscape features.
Mechanical Weathering: Physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition.
Chemical Weathering: Alters the chemical structure of rocks, resulting in disintegration through chemical reactions.

Geological Concepts

Law of Superposition: In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers lie at the bottom, and each layer is younger than the one beneath it.
Geological Time Scale: A chronological framework linking geological strata to the history of Earth, serving as a calendar for geological events.
Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers and their sequences to understand geological history.

Rock Types

Igneous Rocks: Formed from the cooling of molten rock (magma or lava) beneath or at the Earth’s surface, often associated with volcanic activity.
Metamorphic Rock: Rocks transformed by substantial heat and pressure, altering their form and structure.
Sedimentary Rock: Formed from layers of compressed or cemented sediment, often containing fossils and indicating past environments.

Geological Processes

Cementation: The crystallization of dissolved minerals that binds sediments together into solid rock.
Compaction: Pressing sediments together, reducing their volume and density, resulting in the formation of sedimentary rock.
Deposition: The laying down of sediments in new locations, reshaping Earth’s surface.
Erosion: The removal of surface materials by wind, water, or other natural agents, contributing to landscape change.

Fossils and Geological Evidence

Fossil Record: The vast collection of ancient organism remains preserved in rock, providing insight into Earth’s biological history.
Fossil: A preserved trace or remnant of an ancient organism, offering clues about past life on Earth.

Rock Cycle

Rock Cycle: A continuous series of processes transforming one rock type into another, encompassing igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic formations.
Rock Strata: Distinct layers of rock observed in geological formations, reflecting the history of deposition and geological events.

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Description

Test your knowledge of differential weathering with these flashcards. Each card presents key terms and their definitions to help you understand the processes that shape landscapes over time. Perfect for geology students and enthusiasts!