Weathering, Erosion, and Gradational Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to weathering, erosion, and various geological processes discussed in the lecture.

What is the main difference between weathering and erosion?

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks in place, while erosion involves the movement of weathered material from one location to another.

What are the two main types of weathering?

Physical (Mechanical) weathering and Chemical weathering.

Give an example of physical weathering.

Frost shattering, where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to crack.

What role does gravity play in mass wasting?

Gravity is the main force driving the downhill movement of weathered rock, soil, or debris.

What are two conditions that make slopes unstable?

Heavy rainfall (saturation of soil) and the removal of vegetation (clearing plant cover).

Define mass wasting.

The movement of soil, rock, and sediment downhill driven primarily by gravity.

What are the characteristics of youthful river stages?

Fast-flowing water, steep gradient, downward erosion dominates, and deep-cutting V-shaped valleys.

What is an oxbow lake?

A crescent-shaped lake formed when a meander becomes so curved that the river cuts a new, straighter channel.

What are the key features of plunging (destructive) waves?

Large wave height, short wavelength, high downward forces, and strong backwash that erodes beach material.

Describe the difference between sediment suspension and sediment traction in river transport.

Suspension involves light materials carried along in the water, while traction describes heavy particles dragged along the riverbed.

What is the process of hydraulic action in river erosion?

The erosive power of moving water forces air into cracks in rocks, builds pressure, and causes pieces to break off.

What outcomes are expected from the glacial zone of accumulation?

If snow accumulation exceeds melting, the glacier grows.

Explain the term 'till' in glaciation.

Till refers to unsorted material deposited directly by glacial ice.

What are moraines?

Accumulations of dirt and rocks that are pushed along by glaciers as they move.

What causes desert formation according to geographical factors?

Low precipitation rates, high evaporation, latitude, mountain barriers, and cold ocean currents.

What are the primary factors that control the characteristics of a place?

Physical characteristics (landforms, vegetation, climate) and human characteristics (modifications made by people).