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G Chapter 2 Vocabula
vocabulary from pages 34 - 53
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Mechanical or chemical surface processes that break rock into smaller and smaller pieces. | Weathering |
Physical processes that break rock apart without changing its chemical makeup. | Mechanical weathering |
Mechanical weathering process that occurs when water freezes in the cracks of rocks and expands, causing the rock to break apart. | Ice wedging |
Chemical reactions dissolve the minerals in rocks or change them into different minerals. | Chemical weathering |
Chemical weathering process that occurs when some minerals are exposed to oxygen and water over time. | Oxidation |
Average weather pattern in an area over a long period of time. | Climate |
Mixture of weathered rock and mineral fragments, decayed organic matter, water, and air that can take thousands of years to develop. | Soil |
Dark-colored, decayed organic matter that supplies nutrients to plants and is found mainly in topsoil. | Humus |
Each layer in a soil profile. | Horizon |
Vertical section of soil layers, each of which is a horizon. | Soil profile |
Twigs, leaves, and other organic matter that help prevent erosion and hold water and may eventually be changed into humus by decomposing organisms. | Litter |
Removal of minerals that have been dissolved in water. | Leaching |
Method for reducing soil erosion; plant stalks are left in the field after harvesting and the next year's crop is planted within the stalks without plowing. | No-till farming |
Planting along the natural contours of the land to reduce soil erosion. | Contour farming |
Farming method used to reduce erosion on steep slopes. | Terracing |