Earth's changing surface Flashcards
(37 cards)
Erosion-
the movement of rock particles by wind, water, ice, or gravity
Weathering-
the process that breaks down rock and other substances
mechanical weathering -
Type of weathering where rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces
5 types of mechanical weathering -
freezing/thawing, heating/cooling, growth of plants, animal actions,abrasion
ice wedging-
process that splits rock when water seeps into cracks then freezes and expands
Chemical weathering-
the process that breaks down rock through chemical changes
5 types of chemical weathering-
water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, living organisms, acid rain
What are the most important factors that determine the rate at which weathering occurs?
Type of rock and climate
Permeable-
Characteristics of a material that is full of tiny, connected air spaces that water can seep through
Soil-
loose , weathered material on earth’s surface in which plants can grow
How does soil form?
as rock is broken down by weathering and mixes with other materials on the surface
Bedrock-
a solid layer of rock beneath the soil
What is the mixture of things that are put together to make soil?
Rock particles, minerals, decayed organic material, air and water
Humus-
a dark colored substance that forms as plant and animal remains decay
The texture of soil depends on the____________?
Size of the particles
Loam-
Soil that is made up of about equal parts of clay, sand, and silt
Soil Horizons-
a layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layers above it or below it.
Abrasion
Refers to the grinding away of rock by rock particles carried by water, ice , wind, or gravity
What do soil organisms do for the soil?
They make spaces in it for air and water. Some even make humus
Litter
Loose leaves that form a loose layer
Decomposers
Break the remains of dead organisms knot smaller pieces and digest them with chemicals
Sod
The thick mass of tough roots at the surface of the soil
Conservation
The management of soil to prevent its destruction
What are two ways soil can be conserved
Contour and conservation plowing