13 Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to weathering, karst landscapes, and mass movement as discussed in the Chapter 13 lecture.

What is denudation in geology?

Denudation refers to the processes that cause the wearing away or removal of surface materials, including weathering, erosion, and transportation.

What is the dynamic equilibrium model in geology?

The dynamic equilibrium model describes the balance of processes that shape the landscape, where a threshold can lead to sudden changes in landscape form or stability.

What are physical weathering processes? Give an example.

Physical weathering processes physically break down rocks without changing their chemical composition. An example is frost wedging, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, breaking the rock apart.

What are chemical weathering processes? Give an example.

Chemical weathering processes involve the chemical alteration of minerals in rocks. An example is hydrolysis, where minerals react with water and alter their chemical structure.

What is karst topography?

Karst topography is a landscape characterized by features such as sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers, primarily formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone.

What are some landforms associated with karst landscapes?

Landforms associated with karst landscapes include sinkholes, stalactites, stalagmites, and tower karsts.

What is mass movement?

Mass movement, or mass wasting, is the movement of soil and rock down slopes due to gravity.

What are the basic classes of mass movement?

The basic classes of mass movement include creep, slide, rockfall, mudflow, and debris flow, each differing in speed and water content.

What is the angle of repose?

The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which loose material will remain stationary without sliding.

What is differential weathering?

Differential weathering is the process where softer, less resistant rocks weather away at a faster rate than harder, more resistant rocks, leading to varied landforms.