Weathering and Erosion

Front

What is uniformitarianism?

Back

The principle that geological processes occurring today are the same as those that occurred in the past.

Front

What is a soil horizon?

Back

A layer of soil that differs in color and texture.

Front

What is the A Horizon (topsoil)?

Back

The soil layer formed as plants add organic materials from humus and plant roots weather rock.

Front

What is the C Horizon (parent material)?

Back

The horizon that contains bedrock that has begun to weather and break into smaller particles.

Front

What is freezing and thawing in weathering?

Back

A form of mechanical weathering where water freezes and thaws in cracks in rocks, causing them to break apart.

Front

What is mechanical weathering?

Back

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

Front

What is chemical weathering?

Back

The process that breaks down rocks through chemical changes, often involving water and acids.

Front

What is abrasion in weathering?

Back

The process of wearing down rocks through friction and contact with other materials.

Front

What is humus?

Back

The organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Front

What is bedrock?

Back

The solid rock layer beneath the soil that has not been weathered.