Geology: Sediment, Sedimentary Rocks, and Weathering Processes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions and concepts related to sediment, sedimentary rocks, Earth systems, and physical and chemical weathering processes.

Sedimentary rocks

Rocks that form from the weathering and erosion of older rocks or sediment.

Weathering

Processes that change the physical and/or chemical state of rocks at or near the surface.

Atmospheric chemical weathering

Chemical weathering involving oxygen and $CO_2$ that removes $CO_2$ from the atmosphere, which can cause cooling.

Carbonic acid

A weak acid formed when water mixes with $CO_2$ that decomposes most minerals.

Biospheric physical weathering

Physical breakdown of rock and soil caused by living organisms, such as tree roots and burrowing animals.

Biospheric chemical weathering

Chemical breakdown where decaying organic tissue breaks down into $H_2O$ and $CO_2$, forming carbonic acid.

Pressure release

A mode of physical weathering in which rocks crack when overlying material is removed.

Exfoliation

A physical weathering process where cracks form as pressure is released and rock spalls off.

Frost action

A mode of physical weathering caused by freezing water.

Frost wedging

A form of frost action where the expansion of freezing water pries rock apart.