Weathering Flocabulary Flashcard

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice and transported to another location.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

Deposition is the process in which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass, often occurring when a glacier melts or when water slows down.

Front

What causes chemical weathering?

Back

Chemical weathering is caused by chemical reactions that change the minerals in rocks, often due to water, acids, or gases like carbon dioxide.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

Front

What is an example of mechanical weathering?

Back

An example of mechanical weathering is frost wedging, where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Front

What is acid rain?

Back

Acid rain is precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric or nitric acids, which can lead to chemical weathering of rocks and buildings.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken materials from one place to another.

Front

What is the role of glaciers in deposition?

Back

Glaciers can carry sediments and when they melt, they deposit these materials, forming new landforms.

Front

What is abrasion in the context of weathering?

Back

Abrasion is the process of wearing down rocks through friction and impact, often caused by wind or water carrying sediments.

Front

What is the impact of large plant roots on rocks?

Back

Large plant roots can cause mechanical weathering by growing into cracks in rocks and breaking them apart as they expand.