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| the processes by which the internal structure of a mineral is altered by the removal and/or addition of elements |
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| The variation in the rate and degree of weathering caused by such factors as mineral makeup, degree of jointing and climate |
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| A common form of chemical weathering, it is the process of dissolving into a homogeous solution, as when an acidic solution dissolves limestone |
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| the washing out of fine soil components from A horizon by down-ward-percolating water |
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| the incorporation and transportation of material by a mobile agent, such as water, wind, or ice |
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| large, dome-shaped structure usually composed of granite, formed by sheeting |
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| process such as weathering, mass wasting, or erosion that is powered by the sun and contributes to the transformation of solid rock into sediment |
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| the mechanical breakup of rock caused by the expansion of freezing water in cracks and crevices |
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| a layer in a soil profile |
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| organic matter in soil produced by the decomposition of plants and animals |
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| a chemical weathering process in which minerals are altered by chemically reacting with water and acids |
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| a process such as mountain building or volcanism that derives its energy from Earth's interior and elevates Earth's surface |
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| The depletion of soluble materials from the upper soil by downward-percolating water |
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| The downslope movement of rock, regolith, and soil under the direct influence of gravity |
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| the physical disintegration of rock, resulting in smaller fragments |
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Definition
| the removal of one or more electrons from an atom or ion. so named because elements commonly combine with oxygen |
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| the material upon which a soil develops |
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| the layer of rock and mineral fragments that nearly everywhere covers Earth's land surface |
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| a mechanical weathering process characterized by the splitting off of slablike sheets of rock |
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| a combination mineral and organic matter, water, and air; that portion of the regoltih that supports plant growth |
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| a vertical section through a soil, showing its succession of horizons and the underlying parent material |
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| A soil classification system consisting of six hierarchical categories based observable soil characteristics. the system recognizes 12 soil orders. |
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| the O, A, and B horizons in a soil profile. living roots and other plant and animal life are largely confined to this zone. |
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| any weathering process that tends to produce a spherical shape from an initially blocky shape. |
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| the disintegration and decomposition of rock at or near the surface of Earth. |
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