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Weathering and Soils
Surface Processes Part 1
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Weathering | The breakdown of rock at or near the Earth's surface (air, water, actions of living things) |
| Sediments | Smaller pieces of rock that have undergone weathering |
| Chemical Weathering | The breakdown of rock through a change in mineral or chemical composition |
| Oxidation | When iron combines with oxygen to make rust |
| Sinkhole | A natural depression in a land surface formed by the dissolution and collapse of a cavern roof |
| Physical Weathering | The breakdown of rock into smaller pieces without chemical changes |
| Abrasion | Occurs when rock particles grind against rock |
| Characteristics | Round shaped rocks (sediments are moved by ice, running water, gravity, or air) |
| Frost Action | Weathering process caused by cycles of freezing and thawing of water in rock openings |
| Infiltration | The process which water penetrates into soil or rock |
| Plant Root Growth | As plants grow they can also spread cracks even farther |
| Abrupt Temperature Changes | As temperature increases rocks expand and fracture |
| Humus | Part of the soil that serves as a source of plant nutrients |