Glossary AT2

Question 1

Weathering

Answer 1

Rocks being broken down into smaller pieces over a long period of time. Happens through natural processes (usually wind or water, temp changes, etc)

Question 2

Erosion

Answer 2

Legit just weathering + the movement of the broken down pieces. Changes shape of land

Question 3

Deposition

Answer 3

The end part of erosion - The movement of eroded materials has finished and have been deposited at a new location

Question 4

Mass Wasting

Answer 4

A rapid form of erosion that works primarily due to gravity in combination with other erosional agents. It occurs very quickly and can result in either small or large scale changes to the landscape depending on the type of event.

Question 5

Karst landscapes

Answer 5

Terrain shaped by dissolution of limestone or other carbonate rocks, resulting in features like caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers.
Forms cause of carbonation (usually)

Kinda like MC amplified world but realistic scale

Question 6

Dissolution

Answer 6

The process of a substance being dissolved into a liquid, in geo referring to minerals or rocks dissolving in water.

Question 7

Igneous rock

Answer 7

Forms from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

Question 8

Sedimentary rock

Answer 8

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments like sand, silt, and shells.

Question 9

Metamorphic rock

Answer 9

Formed when existing rocks are transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.

Question 10

Silicate Materials

Answer 10

• A silicate material is a substance that contains silicon, oxygen and usually one or more metals.
• Very common in rocks and minerals (90% of all rocks in Earths crust)
  (~95% of igneous rocks and a huge part of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are silicate minerals)

Question 11

Foliation

Answer 11

When metamorphic rocks form in thin layers (bands) due to pressure and heat.
These layers create ‘weak spots’ that make it easier for mechanical weathering (like freezing or plant roots) to break the rock apart.

Question 12

Fracture + Fault + Joint

Answer 12

• Fracture = a general term for any break/crack in a rock, meaning it includes both faults and joints
• Fault = A fracture where the rock has clearly shifted, (could be up/down, or it slid sideways) caused by tectonic forces
• Joint = A fracture where there is no movement on either rock - the rocks cracked, but hasn’t shifted at all. Caused by cooling, pressure release, weathering

Question 13

Bedrock + Carbonic Bedrock

Answer 13

The solid, unbroken layer of rock that lies beneath the soil, sediment, and other surface materials + forms foundation of Earth’s crust.

Carbonic bedrock refers to bedrock thats made up of carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite, etc) which reacts with carbonic acid. Carbonic bedrock is more susceptible to carbonation.

Question 14

Pedestals/Mushroom rocks

Answer 14

Pedestals - rocks where the bottom half has been more heavily eroded than the top, kinda like an upside down triangle but not as drastic.
AKA mushroom rocks.

monadnocks are huge rising rock in an otherwise barren or very flat landscape

Question 15

Inselberg/Monadnocks

Answer 15

Inselbergs are huge rising mountains/hills that rise sharply in an otherwise barren or very flat + gently sloping landscape. Uluru.
AKA monadnock

Question 16

Bornhardt

Answer 16

A tall, large rock hill with a roundish pointy tip (like a -ve parabola), that forms when softer surrounding rock erodes, leaving tough rock (granite, gneiss, etc) behind as a hill which stands out in a flat area.

Somex bornhardts are inselbergs, and it only is one if its standing alone in an open, flat landscape

Question 17

Runoff

Answer 17

Excess water that flows over the land’s surface, bc the ground can’t absorb it all. Happens after heavy rain and can carry soil, nutrients, or pollutants into rivers and lakes.

Question 18

Rill

Answer 18

A rill is a small, very shallow stream of water formed on the surface of soil by running water. Usually temporary.
Like little streams of runoff

Question 19

Gully

Answer 19

A ravine formed by water - deep, wide channels carved by concentrated runoff and erosion. Begin as rills but with more water becomes gullies.
More extreme version of rills

Question 20

Arêtes

Answer 20

A sharp ridge that forms between two glacial valleys after glaciers erode both sides of a mountain. They are temporary; eventually they’ll erode.

mountain, E and W is eroded by glacier, leaves long, skinny, elevated part in middle thats travelling N-S. (ts part is the arete)

Question 21

Plucking

Answer 21

When a glacier freezes onto a piece of rock (usually cracked or loosened), then carries the rock pieces along with it as it moves. It shapes rugged mountain valleys and adds broken rock to the glacier’s base

Question 22

Glacial Striae/Striation

Answer 22

Long, narrow scratches or grooves left on rock surfaces by debris dragged along the base of a moving glacier. They show the direction the glacier was moving and how it shaped the land.

Question 23

Angle of Repose

Answer 23

The steepest angle at which loose material like sand, gravel, or rocks can stay stable without sliding. If the slope becomes steeper than this angle, the material will start to slide down.

Unconsolidated materials tend to stabilize near an angle of 35° however this balance is easily disrupted by changes in environmental
conditions

Question 24

Talus/Scree

Answer 24

Pile of broken/weathers rock fragments that collect at the bottom of cliffs/steep mountain slopes. Rocks fall due to the slope angle exceeding angle of repose, or otherwise weathering or gravity. Forms as a sloped heap at the bottom

Question 25

Regolith

Answer 25

Loose, broken-down materials (soil, rock fragments, dust, other weathered debris) that sits above bedrock. Its loose and unconsolidated and can vary in thickness depending on the environment. basically loose shit a layer up from bedrock that forms from the breakdown of solid rock.

Question 26

Hanging Valley

Answer 26

A smaller valley that meets a larger valley at a higher elevation, formed by glaciers. Theres a dramatic drop where the smaller valley's river or stream cascades into the larger valley. Smaller glacial valley higher up, then a sudden drop in height, and at the bottom theres another valley

Question 27

Truncated Spur

Answer 27

A ridge thats been cut off or shortened by the movement of a glacier. The glacier erodes the sides of the spur, leaving it with a more blunt or truncated shape.

Question 28

Corrie or Cirque

Answer 28

A bowl-shaped depression in the side of a mountain, formed by erosion from a glacier. found in high, mountainous areas and are often the starting point for glaciers.

Question 29

Pyramidal Peak

Answer 29

Mountain peak formed by intersection of 3+ cirques. Glaciers erode the mountains backwards, using plucking, abrasion, and freeze-thaw weathering, finishing w/ a pointed summit.

Question 30

Ocean gyre

Answer 30

Large system of circular ocean currents, driven by wind patterns, Earth's rotation, and shapes of coastlines. They circulate water across vast areas of the ocean, playing a key role in climate and ocean circulation.

Question 31

Brackish Water

Answer 31

water occurring in a natural environment that has more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater (saltier than than freshwater, less than ocean). May result from mixing saltwater and freshwater, typically found in places like estuaries or coastal lagoons.

Question 32

Ridge

Answer 32

Long, narrow, elevated landform/structural feature characterised by a sloping, narrow top (the crest) and steep sides that drop away on either side.

Question 33

Blockfields

Answer 33

Areas covered by large, angular rocks formed from freeze-thaw weathering. They usually appear on flat, upland surfaces in cold climates. Over time, ice wedges and frost action help loosen rocks to form these fields. How a gravel hills biome from MC would look like irl

Question 34

Patterned Ground w/ Glacial/Periglacial environments

Answer 34

Naturally occurring geometric patterns on the surface of permafrost areas, such as circles, polygons, or stripes. These patterns are caused by the repeated freezing and thawing of soil and rocks.

Question 35

Ice Wedges

Answer 35

When water enters cracks in frozen ground, freezes, and expands. Over many freeze-thaw cycles, the cracks grow wider and deeper, eventually forming large wedge-shaped ice formations. These are common in permafrost regions.

Question 36

Habitat

Answer 36

The natural environment where an organism lives, (could be forest, river, or desert) It provides all the resources the organism needs to survive, like food, water, and shelter.

Question 37

Biome

Answer 37

A Large-scale ecosystem classified by its climate, vegetation, and wildlife. Species living in biomes would have adapted to its unique conditions. E.g Camel --> Long eyelashes and nostrils that close (protect from sand), Fat in hump (Go long periods without eating)

Question 38

Decomposers

Answer 38

Organisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead plants and animals. They return nutrients to the soil, making them available for other organisms. They play a vital role in the nutrient cycle.

Question 39

Biomass

Answer 39

Renewable organic material (that come from plants and animals) in an ecosystem that can be used as energy. Biomass is often converted into fuel (such as wood, crops, or animal waste) to generate energy. The energy stored in the chemical bonds of organic matter is released when it is burned or processed, making it renewable

Question 40

Nutrient Cycle

Answer 40

Movement of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon through the environment. It involves processes like decomposition, absorption by plants, and consumption by animals. It helps maintain ecosystem balance.

Question 41

Adaption

Answer 41

The way organisms have changed or behave to survive in their specific environment. Able to survive in harsh conditions with limited resources. E.g cacti storing water in arid climates or Arctic animals growing thick fur. It’s a key part of how species interact with their surroundings.

Question 42

Biological Community

Answer 42

All the different species living and interacting in a particular area. Includes predators, prey, plants, decomposers, and more. These species are interdependent and form food webs.

Question 43

Dominant Species w/ ecosystems

Answer 43

The most abundant or influential species in an ecosystem. They strongly affect the structure and function of the community. If for example, a certain plant dominates an area, it affects the ecosystem bc only species that can eat/ nest in/rely on the plant can live there.

Question 44

Dormant

Answer 44

An organism is in a state of rest or inactivity, often to survive tough conditions. For example, some plants and/or animals become dormant in winter to conserve energy.

Question 45

Ecosystem

Answer 45

A community of living organisms (biotic) that interact w/ each other and their non-living (abitotic) environment. Examples range from a pond to a rainforest.

Question 46

Rainfall Effectiveness

Answer 46

Rainfall effectiveness refers to how useful rainfall is to plants and ecosystems. It depends on factors like evaporation, timing, and how much water actually reaches plant roots.

Question 47

Evapotranspiration

Answer 47

The total water loss from an area through evaporation from soil and water and transpiration from plants. Plays a key role in the water cycle and affects soil moisture.

Question 48

Optimum Range

Answer 48

Optimum range is the set of environmental conditions (temp., pH, etc.) where a species functions best. Outside of this range, growth or survival may decrease.

Question 49

Specialisation

Answer 49

Specialisation is when a species becomes highly adapted to a specific habitat, food source, or ecological role. While it allows for efficiency in certain conditions, it can make species vulnerable to environmental changes.

Question 50

Photosynthesis

Answer 50

Plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy (glucose) and oxygen. It’s the foundation of most food chains and supports nearly all life on Earth. 6CO2(g)+6H2O(l)→C6H12O6(aq)+6O2(g

Question 51

Snowline

Answer 51

The lowest elevation where snow remains year-round. Varies by climate and location and helps define glacial and alpine zones.

Question 52

Symbiotic Relationship

Answer 52

When two different species live closely together and affect each other. It can be mutualistic (both benefit), parasitic (one benefits, one is harmed), or commensal (one benefits, the other is unaffected).

Question 53

Transpiration

Answer 53

The process where water evaporates from the leaves of plants. It helps cool the plant and moves water and nutrients from roots to leaves.

Question 54

Treeline

Answer 54

The treeline is the edge of the habitat where trees can no longer grow, usually due to cold, dry, or high-altitude conditions. Beyond this point, the environment is too harsh for tree survival. - Edge of habitat could mean horizontal (idk how maybe different ground material) or Vertical (too cold or sum)

Question 55

Trophic Level

Answer 55

A 'level' in a food chain, based on how an organism gets its energy. Producers are the first level, followed by primary consumers, then secondary, tertiary, quaternary, quinary (if it goes that far)

Question 56

Clear Felling

Answer 56

Clear felling is a logging (activity of felling (cutting down a tree) and preparing the timber) method where all trees in an area are cut down at once. It can lead to soil erosion, habitat loss, and ecosystem disruption if not managed properly. Has to be human driven

Question 57

Trawling

Answer 57

Trawling is a fishing method where large nets are dragged along the sea floor or through the water. It can catch many fish at once but often damages habitats and leads to bycatch.

Question 58

Trophic Cascade

Answer 58

When changes in one trophic level (usually removing a level) causes effects that trickle down through lower levels. It can significantly alter ecosystem structure and function.

Question 59

Mammal

Answer 59

Warm-blooded animals with backbones that typically have fur or hair and produce milk for their young. Examples include humans, whales, and kangaroos. They are found in nearly all environments on Earth.

Question 60

Pioneer Species

Answer 60

The first organisms to colonise a previously barren or disturbed area, playing a crucial role in initiating ecological succession. These species are typically hardy and adaptable Examples include lichens, mosses, and certain grasses

Question 61

Succession (Primary and Secondary)

Answer 61

Succession --> The natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Primary succession happens in places where no life existed before. Possibly after a volcanic eruption or when glaciers retreat. It starts from bare rock, and slowly builds up soil and life through pioneer species like lichens and mosses. Secondary succession happens in areas where an ecosystem was disturbed, but soil and some life still remain — like after a bushfire, flood, or farming. Recovery is faster because nutrients and seeds are already in place.

Question 62

Atoll

Question 63

Natural Disturbance

Answer 63

A naturally occurring event like a storm, fire, or flood that changes the environment and affects living things, which can damage ecosystems or even help them grow back in new ways.

Question 64

Windthrow

Answer 64

When trees are blown over/uprooted by strong wind, like during a storm or cyclone. Usually happens in forests where the trees are tall or the soil is loose, and it can create gaps in the forest and can potentially change the local ecosystem.