Earth Science- Sedimentary rocks.

Alluvial Fan

a fan-shaped mass of alluvium deposited as the flow of a river decreases in velocity.

Bedrock

solid rock underlying loose deposits such as soil or alluvium.

Chemical Weathering

breaking down of rocks by changing the molecular structure of rocks and soil.

Frost Wedging

happens when water gets in crack, freezes, and expands

Glacier

a slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles

Humus

the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms

Mass Movement

bulk movements of soil and rock debris down slopes in response to the pull of gravity

Mechanical Weathering

also called physical weathering; it is a process that causes rocks to break down

Regolith

the layer of unconsolidated rocky material covering bedrock

Rock Cementation

the hardening and welding of clastic sediments (those formed from preexisting rock fragments) by the precipitation of mineral matter in the pore spaces.

Rock Compaction

layers are squeezed together and any water mixed in with the sediments is forced out

Rock Deposition

the geological process in which sediments, soil and rocks are added to a landform or landmass

Rock Erosion

the geological process in which earth materials are transported by natural forces such as wind or water.

Rock Exfoliation

process in which large flat or curved sheets of rock fracture and are detached from the outcrop due to pressure release

Soil

the upper layer of earth in which plants grow a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles

Soil Horizon

a layer parallel to the soil surface whose physical, chemical and biological characteristics differ from the layers above and beneath.

Wind Abraision

the process of friction caused by scuffing, scratching, wearing down, marring, and rubbing away of materials

Wind Deflation

the removal of solid particles by wind