Surface Forces, Weathering Processes, and Land Management

Practice vocabulary flashcards reviewing types of weathering, weathering processes, impacts of weathering, and land management methods.

Physical weathering

The process of breaking rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Chemical weathering

A process in which chemical reactions change the composition of rock and weaken it.

Biological weathering

The breakdown of rock caused by living organisms, such as plants and animals.

Freeze Thaw Action

A physical weathering process where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands; repeated freezing and thawing widens the cracks until rock fragments fall off.

Exfoliation

A physical weathering process where rocks expand from daytime heat and contract from nighttime cooling, causing outer layers to peel or flake off over time.

Oxidation

A chemical weathering process where oxygen reacts with iron in rocks in the presence of water to form iron oxide, weakening the rock.

Hydrolysis

A chemical weathering process in which water reacts with minerals called silicates (such as limestone or feldspar), changing them into clay that can wash away.

Carbonation

A chemical weathering process where carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form weak carbonic acid, which dissolves limestone into a soluble substance that washes away.

Lichens (Weathering)

Organisms that produce acids which break down minerals in rocks, causing rock grains to loosen and fall away.

Positive Impacts of Weathering

Outcomes that break down rocks to form soil for agriculture, release minerals for plant growth, and help create useful landscapes and landforms.

Negative Impacts of Weathering

Outcomes that weaken roads and cliffs causing collapses, damage buildings and monuments, and contribute to landslides and rockfalls.

Replanting vegetation

A land management method where planting grass and trees allows roots to hold soil together and leaves to reduce the impact of raindrops.

Terraces

Steps created on slopes that reduce effective slope length, slow down water flowing downhill, and reduce soil erosion.

Contour Ploughing

A method of ploughing across a slope to slow down water runoff and prevent soil from being washed away.

Mulch

A protective covering applied to bare soil to shield the surface from raindrops and reduce soil erosion and loss.

Drainage channels

Constructed channels that direct excess water safely and reduce uncontrolled runoff.

Controlled vehicle movement

The practice of using designated routes to reduce unnecessary disturbance and compaction of exposed soil.

Reducing overgrazing

Limiting the number of grazing animals in one area to prevent complete removal of vegetation, keeping soil covered and protected from erosion.