Physical Geography - Chapters 15 & 16 Study Guide

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary terms from Chapters 15 and 16 of the Physical Geography course, covering concepts related to weathering, mass wasting, subsurface water, and karst landscapes.

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles.

Mass Wasting

The downward movement of soil and rock due to gravity.

Erosion

The process of transporting weathered materials away from their original location.

Geomorphic Threshold

The point at which a change in a slope or landscape can lead to significant geological events.

Physical Weathering

The mechanical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water.

Avalanche

A rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a slope.

Freeze-Thaw

A physical weathering process in which water freezes and expands in cracks, breaking rocks apart.

Slump

A type of mass wasting where a section of a slope moves downwards in a rotational manner.

Debris Flow

A fast-moving mixture of water, rock, and soil that flows down a slope.

Groundwater

Water stored underground in soil and rock formations.

Water Table

The upper surface of the zone of saturation where groundwater is found.

Zone of Saturation

The area underground in which all the pores are filled with water.

Porosity

The measure of how much of a rock is open space, affecting its ability to hold water.

Aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater.

Aquiclude

A layer that restricts the flow of groundwater, preventing movement.

Speleothem

Mineral formations found in caves, such as stalactites and stalagmites.

Karst

A landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks, characterized by sinkholes and caves.

Sinkhole

A depression or hole in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer.

Disappearing Streams

Streams that vanish into sinkholes or underground channels.