Earth Science: Weathering and Erosion

The disintegration and decomposition of rock at or near Earth's surface.

Physically breaking rocks into smaller pieces.

Breaking rocks by the freezing and thawing of water in cracks.

Breaking off slabs of rock due to expansion from reduced pressure.

The incorporation and transportation of material by a mobile agent like water or wind.

The downslope movement of rock material under the influence of gravity.

The exposed outer area of a rock that is available for chemical weathering.

Processes that shape the Earth's surface near the surface, powered by energy from the sun.

The wearing away and removal of topsoil by wind or water.

The process of depositing eroded soil in lakes, reservoirs, and streams.

Practices that help prevent soil erosion and protect soil quality.

Process where weathering concentrates valuable metals in a rock.

Formation of aluminum ore in tropical climates through leaching and weathering.

Excessive soil erosion leads to reduced productivity, poor crop quality, reduced agricultural income, and a growingly ominous future.

Erosion leads to sedimentation, filling up reservoirs and limiting their use for flood control, water supply, and hydropower generation.

Soil erosion is a global problem, with rates exceeding soil formation in many regions, making a renewable resource nonrenewable.

Soil conservation is crucial for sustainable food production and maintaining a healthy environment.

Soil erosion directly affects human well-being by impacting food production, water resources, and infrastructure.

The four main components of soil are mineral matter, organic matter (humus), air, and water.

Fractures in rocks that allow water to penetrate and start the weathering process.

Decomposed organic matter in soil, rich in nutrients and helps retain water.

The different proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil.

Weathering caused by the actions of living organisms like plants, burrowing animals, or even humans.

The best soil for plants, with a balance of sand, silt, and clay.

The process of altering the internal structure of minerals by removing or adding elements.

A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water.

The arrangement of soil particles into clumps called peds, affecting drainage and root growth.

The process of how granite, mainly made of quartz and feldspar, breaks down.

The source of the rock that breaks down to form soil - bedrock or unconsolidated deposits.

Soil that forms directly from weathered bedrock.

Quartz is highly resistant to chemical weathering, remaining unchanged.

Soil formed from weathered material carried elsewhere.

Chemical weathering of common minerals in Earth's crust, like sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Chemical weathering that causes rocks to round out, as corners are attacked more by water.

How quickly rock breaks down, influenced by parent material.

Weathering products, like clay minerals, absorb water and expand, putting pressure on outer layers.

The composition of the parent material affects soil fertility.

Many factors influence how fast weathering occurs, including mineral makeup, climate, and even human activity.

The longer soil weathers, the less it resembles its parent material.

Temperature and precipitation influence weathering and soil characteristics.

Different minerals have different resistance to weathering, with some like quartz being very resistant.

Temperature and moisture greatly influence weathering rates, with warmer, wetter climates promoting chemical processes.

Plants and animals contribute organic matter to soil.

Provides nutrients, speeds up weathering, and helps retain water.

Different parts of a rock or landscape weather at different rates, creating unique structures.

Parent material, time, climate, plants & animals, and slope are interconnected, each influencing the others.

Soil is where the solid Earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact.

Soil develops from weathered rock debris mixed with organic matter, water, and air.

Soil is more than just broken rock; it is a combination of mineral fragments, organic matter, water, and air that supports plant life.

The ability of soil to support plant growth by providing essential nutrients and a favorable environment.

Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use, improving soil fertility.

Earthworms aerate the soil, mix organic and mineral matter, and improve drainage by creating tunnels.

Slope impacts drainage, water retention, and soil development, with steeper slopes leading to less developed soil.

A north-facing slope receives less sunlight, resulting in cooler soil temperatures and potential differences in soil properties & vegetation.

A vertical cross-section of soil revealing distinct layers called horizons, each with unique characteristics.

The process of fine particles, like clay, being carried away by water through soil layers.

The dissolving and removal of soluble minerals and nutrients from soil by water.

A layer in the soil profile where materials leached from upper layers are deposited.

A dense, impermeable layer of soil formed by the accumulation of clay, hindering drainage.

A type of soil rich in iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays, typically found in temperate humid climates.

A soil with an accumulation of calcium carbonate, found in semi-arid regions.

A deep, highly weathered soil found in hot, tropical climates, often infertile.