Exogenic Processes in Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks at Earth's surface by agents like water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, gravity, and temperature changes.

The breakdown of rocks caused by changes in temperature, leading to expansion and contraction, which creates stress and eventually breaks the rock.

The breakdown of rocks caused by chemical reactions, such as the interaction of rainwater with minerals, forming new minerals and soluble salts.

The breakdown of rocks caused by biological agents, such as plants growing in cracks and animals burrowing in the ground.

Thermal energy left over from Earth's formation through bombardments and accretion.

The release of energy and energetic particles from radioactive materials within Earth, which contribute to the heat within the planet.

Molten rock found beneath Earth's surface, formed by the partial melting of mantle rocks.

The process by which magma rises to the surface, either through intrusion (inside the crust) or extrusion (outside the crust).

The process by which existing rocks change in form and structure due to intense heat and pressure.

The most important factor in metamorphism, providing the energy for chemical changes and recrystallization of minerals. It increases with depth.

Similar to heat, pressure increases with depth and applies force to buried rocks. It causes physical changes in the rocks.

Chemically active fluids, such as water, enhance the metamorphic process by aiding chemical reactions.

The most common type of metamorphism, occurring over wide areas due to the heat from rising magma.

A type of metamorphism that occurs along subduction zones due to the high pressure resulting from the collision of tectonic plates.

A lower-grade metamorphic process that occurs beneath sedimentary layers, transforming sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks through relatively low temperature and pressure.

A type of metamorphism where rocks are altered by hot, chemically aggressive water, often occurring near mid-ocean ridges.

A type of stress that causes rocks to be squeezed together, often resulting in folding or faulting.

The process of rocks breaking or fracturing under stress. Happens when rocks become brittle.

A type of fault where blocks of rock move vertically, either up or down.

This type of fault involves horizontal movement of rock blocks, caused by shear stress. It forms at transform boundaries.

A fold that bends upwards, forming an arch-like shape.

A fold that bends downwards, forming a trough-like shape.

The rigid outer layer of Earth, composed of the crust and the uppermost mantle.

A layer of the Earth's mantle that is partially molten and behaves like a thick, viscous fluid, allowing tectonic plates to move.

The gently sloping area at the base of the continental slope, formed by accumulating sediments from submarine canyons.

A shallow, gently sloping part of the continental crust, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope.

The steep slope that connects the continental shelf to the deep ocean floor.

The boundary between the continental shelf and the continental slope.

Areas of the ocean floor that contain deep water and cover most of Earth's surface.

Underwater mountain ranges that form at divergent plate boundaries where new ocean floor is created.

A model describing the opening and closing of ocean basins, including the subduction and divergence of tectonic plates.

The process of oceanic crust being pulled back into the Earth's mantle at convergent plate boundaries.

A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all continents were joined together.

Evidence supporting Continental Drift includes matching geological formations, fossil distribution, and ancient climate patterns.

The process where new ocean floor is created at mid-oceanic ridges, pushing older ocean floor away.

Deep, narrow valleys in the ocean floor.

Vast flat plains on the deep ocean floor, covered by sediment for thousands of years.

A submerged volcanic mountain that rises from the ocean floor and often has a flat top due to erosion.

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratifications).

A branch of geology focusing on the origin, composition, structure, and classification of rocks.

The process of arranging layers of stratified rocks in their proper order based on their relative age.

A type of dating that determines the exact numerical age of a rock using methods like radiometric dating.

The layering that occurs in sedimentary rocks formed through deposition, such as lava flows or volcanic fragmental deposits.