Flashcards

Weathering (1.2)

Meriam Hammar English 20 cards

Cards in this deck (20)

1WeatheringWeathering in geology means the physical and chemical processes that break rocks down.
2Physical weatheringWeathering can happen because of:
.Temperature change
.The action of water and ice
.Crystallization of salts
.Wind
.Living plants
3TemperatureIf the temperature change between day and night is very fast, this expansion and contraction can crack a rock.
4Ice and waterIce can split rocks by cooling them rapidly.
5SaltsWater in the soil often contains dissolved chemicals called salts. Salts such as sodium chloride and calcium sulfate from crystals as the water evaporates.
6WindFine particles of rock carried by wind can cause physical weathering. These fine rock particles blast the rock surface, weathering pieces away.
7PlantsPlant roots can split rocks. They can grow through fine cracks, or even create their own cracks.
8Chemical weatheringChemical weathering involves water and chemicals in the water and air reacting with the rock and changing it.
9AcidsRainwater contains dilute acids that attack rocks. The acids can naturally form in the air during lightning, but pollution also forms acids in the air.
10WaterSome rocks have soluble materials in them. This means that they can be dissolved by rain and running water.
11ErosionSmall particles of rock broken off by weathering can be carried away by water, wind and ice. This removal of small particles is called erosion.
12SedimentationThe small rock particles that are carried away from the weathered rock are eventually dropped somewhere. The process of depositing eroded rock particles is called SEDIMENTATION or deposition.
13SoilsSediments are the basic components of soil.
14TextureTexture is determined by the size of the particles that make up the soil.
15StructureStructure refers to how well the soil particles join up to form soil clods or crumbs.
16Water-holding capacityWater-holding capacity is a measure of how much water a particular amount of soil can hold.
17PermeabilityPermeability is a measure of how fast water enters the soil.
18ConsistencyConsistency is the tendency of soil particles to sick together.
19List five characteristics of soils important for plant growth1. Decaying wastes
2. Dead leaves
3. Twigs and insects
4. Water
5. Dissolved minerals
20Acid rainRain water that includes acids from pollution in the air.