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17 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Weathering
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the process by which natural forces break down rocks.
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Mechanical Weathering
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break down of rock by physical means-no new compounds formed.
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Chemical weathering
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break down of rock by chemical reactions-new compounds formed
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Humus
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the decayed organic matter in soil.
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Soil Horizon
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a soil layer with physical and chemical properties that differ from those of soil layers above or below it.
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Soil Profile
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the soil horizons in a specific location; a cross section of soil layers that displays all soil horizons.
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Desertification
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the expansion of desert conditions in areas where the natural plant cover has been destroyed.
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Erosion
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the process in which sediment is picked up and moved from one place to another
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Deposition
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the process in which transported sediment is laid down
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Mass Wasting
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the downhill movement of loose rock or soil
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Porosity
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the amount of spaces between soil particles- holds water and air for plants to grow
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Types of Mechanical Weathering
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Abrasion-the process of wearing down by friction ex: water
Ice Wedging- Expansion of water freezing in rock's gaps. Pressure Release- when pressure on surface rocks released- causes rock expansion, leading t exfoliation(layers of rock gradually break off) Plant Root Growth- when roots grow in the cracks of rocks, and wedge open cracks- splits rock |
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Types of Chemical Weathering
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Dissolving- acidic rain water from rocks dissolving in water
Rusting- water dissolves with rock or minerals, and reacts with oxygen while containing minerals such as iron |
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Factors that Affect Weathering
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Composition-Different kinds of rock break down at different rates.
Climate- faster in hot and wet conditions Surface Area Exposed- the more rock exposed to air and water, the faster it will break down. |
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Ingredients of Soil
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1. weathered rock particles
2. water 3. organic matter (humus) 4. air |
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Soil is Affected by...
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Animals and other Organisms-acids in decomposition of other organisms+ loosens and mix soil
Kind of Rock Material-changes soil chemistry Climate- affects the weathering as well as the organisms growing in the area. Plant cover- what type of humus in the soil Time-the longer the time the better deeper, the soil Land Forms-soil forms easier in valleys |
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Soil Horizons
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A-on top of the profile Top soil, contains a lot of organic matter and organisms, usually darker color, fertile
B- Between A+C layers little organic matter, materials from A layers leeching down and rock particle from C layer C-Deepest layer. Made of weathered particles of the parent bedrock, no organics Bedrock-Parent rock of the area. Fairly solid with beginning of weathered cracks |
