Study Guide: Weathering, Erosion, and Coastal Landforms

Flashcards covering key concepts related to weathering, erosion, and coastal landforms.

The breakdown of rocks and minerals at Earth's surface into smaller pieces.

Weathering

Breaks rock without changing its chemical composition.

Mechanical Weathering

Water freezes in cracks, expands, and breaks rocks apart.

Frost Wedging

Rocks grind against each other.

Abrasion

Rock expands and contracts with temperature.

Thermal Expansion

Roots or animals break rocks.

Biological Weathering

Breaks down rocks by changing their chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

Oxygen reacts with minerals (like iron) to form rust.

Oxidation

Water reacts with minerals to form clay.

Hydrolysis

CO2 + water forms acid that dissolves limestone.

Carbonation

Pollution creates acids that break down rock quickly.

Acid Rain

The movement of weathered material from one place to another.

Erosion

Water, wind, ice, and gravity shape land.

Types of Erosion

Settling of particles in water or air.

Sedimentation

Final placement of sediment, forming landforms like deltas and beaches.

Deposition

Formed at river mouths by sediment deposits.

Deltas

Where freshwater meets saltwater (brackish water).

Estuaries

Coastal area between high tide and low tide.

Intertidal Zones

Barely wet zone in the intertidal region.

Splash Zone

Wet only during high tide in the intertidal region.

High Tide Zone

Alternates between wet and dry in the intertidal region.

Mid Tide Zone

Almost always underwater in the intertidal region.

Low Tide Zone

Coastal islands formed by longshore drift depositing sand.

Barrier Islands