vocab quiz Flashcards
the physical disintegration of rock, resulting in smaller fragments
Mechanical Weathering
the mechanical breakup of rock caused by the expansion of freezing water in cracks and crevices
frost wedging
type of weathering caused by reducing pressure on rock surface, allowing slabs of rock to break off in layers
Exfoliation
the process by which the internal structure of a mineral is altered by the removal and or addition of elements
chemical weathering
the slow downhill movement of soil and regolith
creep
slow moving, downslope movement of water-saturated clay rich sediment, most characteristic of humid regions
earthflows
quickly moving downhill flow of soil and rock fragments containing a large amount of water
mudflow
the downward slipping of a mass of rock or unconsolidated material moving as a unit along a curved surface
slump
when a mass of rock slides rapidly downslope along places of weakness
rockslide
when rocks or rock fragment fall freely through thru the air; common on steep slopes
rockfall
the downslope movement of rock, regolith and soil under the direct influence of gravity
mass movement
a red, highly leached soil type found in the tropics that is rich in oxides of iron and aluminum
laterite
soil associated with drier regions and characterized by an accumulation of calcium carbonate in the upper horizons
pedocal
soil of humid regions characterized by the accumulation of iron oxides and aluminum rich clays in the b horizon
pedalfer
a combo of mineral and organic matter, water and air; portion of regolith that supports plant growth
soil
