earth and enviromental science unit 2 test

Latitude

Lines that run east and west and are measured north and south from the Equator.

Longitude

Lines that run north and south and are measured east and west from the Prime Meridian.

Prime Meridian

The 0° longitude line from which east and west are measured.

Equator

The 0° latitude line dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

180th Meridian (International Date Line)

The longitude line opposite the Prime Meridian at 180° longitude.

A Horizon

The topsoil layer rich in organic matter and living organisms.

C Horizon

The layer of weathered parent material beneath the soil layers.

R Horizon

The unweathered bedrock beneath all soil layers.

Soil Profile

A vertical section of soil showing all layers from surface to bedrock.

Abrasion

The process of rocks scraping or wearing away surfaces.

Exfoliation

The peeling or flaking off of outer rock layers due to pressure or temperature changes.

Acid Rain

Rain containing harmful acids that break down rocks and soil.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction where oxygen combines with minerals, causing rust and weakening rocks.

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks by physical, chemical, or biological processes.

Erosion

The movement of weathered rock and soil by water, wind, ice, or gravity.

Stream Velocity

The speed of water flow in a stream or river.

Correlation between Stream Velocity and Erosion

Faster water moves more sediment and causes more erosion.

Erosional Capacity

The ability of an agent (water, wind, ice, gravity) to carry sediment and cause erosion.

Topography and Soil Erosion

Steeper slopes increase soil erosion due to faster runoff.

Physical Weathering

Breaking rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical makeup (e.g., freeze-thaw).

Chemical Weathering

Breaking down rocks by changing their chemical composition (e.g., acid rain).

Hard Rock

Rocks that resist weathering and erosion and break down slowly.

Soft Rock

Rocks that weather and erode quickly due to being less resistant.

Water Erosion

Fast and powerful erosion caused by flowing water.

Wind Erosion

Slow erosion mainly affecting dry and loose soils.

Ice Erosion (Glaciers)

Slow but strong erosion caused by moving ice.

Gravity Erosion

Sudden, localized erosion caused by falling or sliding materials.