Weathering and Soil

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the processes of weathering and soil formation, including definitions and examples.

Weathering

The physical breakdown and chemical alteration of rocks.

Mass Wasting

The transfer of rock and soil downslope by gravity.

Erosion

The physical removal of material by water, wind, or ice.

Mechanical Weathering

The breaking of rocks into smaller pieces by physical forces, not changing chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

The chemical transformation of rock into new compounds or minerals.

Frost Wedging

The process where water enters cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks the rock.

Sheeting

A process where large masses of rock break loose due to a reduction in overburden pressure.

Biologic Activity

Weathering caused by organisms such as plants and burrowing animals.

Dissolution

A type of chemical weathering where minerals break down and dissolve in water, often aided by acids.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction where an element loses electrons, important for mineral decomposition.

Hydrolysis

The reaction of substances with water, affecting mineral structures and leading to decomposition.

Spheroidal Weathering

Physical changes such as rounding of mineral corners caused by water flowing through joints.

Regolith

The layer of rock and mineral fragments produced by weathering.

Humus

The organic component of soil, critical for supporting plant growth.

Parent Material

The source of weathered mineral matter found in soils.

Differential Weathering

The uneven weathering of rock leading to unusual formations.

Soil Formation Controls

Factors including parent material, time, climate, plants and animals, and topography.