RevT1SP2024 4.docx

Rock Cycle

Rock Cycle

The continuous process of rocks changing from one type to another through various geological processes like weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and metamorphism.

Weathering

The breakdown of rocks at or near the Earth's surface into smaller particles and dissolved ions by physical, chemical, or biological processes.

Chemical Weathering Processes

Include dissolution, oxidation, and hydrolysis, which alter the chemical composition of rocks and minerals.

Surface Area and Weathering

The larger the surface area of a rock, the more susceptible it is to weathering; smaller particles have higher surface area-to-volume ratios.

Soil Horizons

Soil layers including topsoil (A), subsoil (B), and weathered rock (C); processes like leaching occur in the A horizon, while accumulation of minerals happens in the B horizon.

Landscapes

Energy forms landscapes through solar radiation, gravity, and tectonic forces; climate influences landscape formation due to temperature and precipitation variations.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth through processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and transpiration.

Drainage Patterns

Dendritic, trellis, rectangular, and radial patterns; joints and fractures influence rectangular patterns, while folds affect trellis patterns.

River Discharge

The volume of water passing a specific point in a river per unit of time; measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s).

Aquifers

Underground layers of rock or sediment that hold water and allow its flow; good aquifers are porous and permeable, like sandstone or limestone.

Porosity and Permeability

Porosity is the volume of open space in rocks, while permeability is the ability of rocks to transmit fluids; saturated zone holds water, while the unsaturated zone has air and water.

Water Table

The upper surface of the saturated zone where groundwater pressure equals atmospheric pressure; it fluctuates due to recharge and discharge.

Darcy’s Law

An equation describing groundwater flow based on hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic gradient, and cross-sectional area.

Groundwater Pollution

Human activities like industrial spills, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal can contaminate groundwater with chemicals, heavy metals, or pathogens.

Water Doctrines

Appropriation (Western) and Riparian (Eastern); Georgia follows the Riparian doctrine due to its historical water use patterns and abundant water resources.

Groundwater Depletion

Increased demand from agriculture, industry, and urbanization can deplete groundwater reserves faster than they can be naturally replenished.

Artesian Flow

Occurs when groundwater is confined between impermeable layers and pressure forces it to rise to the surface without pumping.