erosion and deposition

weathering

breakdown of rock

what does the rate of weathering depend on?

climate, particles size, and mineral composition

why do smaller particles weather faster?

they have more surface area

what do mature soils have?

several identifiable layers

most sediments are

“transported” sediments

what is the driving force behind most erosion?

gravity

what is the most dominant agent of erosion on Earth?

stream velocity

what does stream velocity depend on?

river slope and discharge

how do streams transport sediments?

in solution, suspension, and as bed load

in a straight section of stream, where is velocity the greatest?

in the middle just under the surface

in a curved section of stream where is velocity the greatest?

on the outside just under the surface

what do streams do as erosion?

sediments are sorted, round and smooth, and form V-shaped valleys

what do glaciers do as erosion?

sediments are unsorted, scratched, and form U-shaped valleys

sorting

separation of particles during deposition

what particles are deposited first?

the largest, roundest, densest particles

graded beds

vertical sorting, largest particles on the bottom