Weathering and Erosion

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to weathering, erosion, and soil formation.

Weathering

The breakup of rock due to exposure to processes that occur at or near Earth’s surface.

Mechanical Weathering

The physical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, altering their mineral composition.

Biomechanical Weathering

Weathering caused by living organisms, such as plants and animals.

Biochemical Weathering

Weathering that involves biochemical processes, typically through the actions of living organisms.

Abrasion

The wearing away of rock material by grinding action.

Exfoliation

The peeling of surface layers from exposed bedrock.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction involving water that interacts with other substances.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction where oxygen interacts with other substances, often leading to rust.

Erosion

The removal and transport of materials by natural agents such as water, wind, and ice.

Transport Agents

Natural forces that move materials from one location to another, including wind, water, glaciers, and gravity.

Soil

A combination of highly weathered clastic sediments, chemical sediments, and organic material in which plants can grow.

Parent Material

The material from which soil is formed.

Transported Soil

Soil formed from sediments that were produced elsewhere.

Residual Soil

Soil whose parent material is the bedrock beneath it.

Soil Profile

A cross-section of a soil from the surface to the un-weathered parent material.

Soil Fertility

The ability of soil to grow plants, affected by nutrient availability.

Salinization

The build-up of dissolved minerals concentrated in lower soil horizons through irrigation.

Mass Wasting

The movement of soil and rock down a slope, influenced by gravity.

Talus

Rock fragments that have been weathered from a cliff and are pulled down by gravity.

Landslide

Movement of a mass of bedrock or loose soil down a slope, often triggered by heavy rain or snow melt.

Creep

Slow, gradual movement of soil down a slope.

Slump

Blocks of land that tilt and move downhill along a curved surface.

Mudflow

Rapid movement of water containing large amounts of suspended clay and silt.

Earthflow

A mass of weathered material saturated with water that flows downhill.

Lahar

A mudflow associated with a volcanic eruption.