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Terms Exam#2
Terms
24
Geology
Undergraduate 1
11/13/2010

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Term
Cation vs. Anion
Definition
an ion that has an excess negative charge is an anion whereas a cation has an excess positive charge
Term
Polymorphs
Definition
Two minerals that have the same chemical composition bug a different crystal lattive structure
Term
silicate tetrahedron
Definition
The basic building block of silicate minerals; it consists of one silicon atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms
Term
carbonate
Definition
rocks containing calcite or dolomite
Term
frost wedging
Definition
water trapped in joints freezes and causes joint to grow. Helps break blocks free from intact bedrock
Term
Salt wedging
Definition
Pushes apart the surrounding grains and so weakens the rock that when exposed to winf and rain, the rock disintegrates into separate grains.
Term
Thermal Expansion
Definition
heat bakes rock, the outer layer of the rock expands- when cooling the layer contracts and causes the outer surface of the rock to break off in sheet like pieces
Term
Leaching
Definition
extracting and absorbing
Term
 Incongruent Dissolution
Definition
Dissolution of a mineral with decomposition or reaction in the presence of a liquid, converting one solid phase into another
Term
parent material
Definition
Term
silicate clay minerals
Definition
Minerals composed of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra linked in various arrangements; most conrain other elements too.
Term
Saprolite
Definition
Soft, thoroughly decomposed rock rich in clay and remaining in its original place.
Term
Spheroidal Weather
Definition
Spheroidal weathering is a chemical process that occurs in large blocks of rock. Onion-like layers form as the joints of the rock wear away. The result is jagged layers of rock, rounded edges and a concentric-like weathering.


Term
O Horizon
Definition
O stands for Organic because this layer or the soil matrix contains organic matter and nearly no mineral matter
Term
Humus
Definition
organic debris
Term
A Horizon
Definition
water percolates through this layer and causes chemical weathering reaction to occur and produces ions in solution and new clay materials
Term
E Horizon
Definition
This level below O and A has generally experienced substantial leaching but has not yet mixed with organic material
Term
B Horizon
Definition
Ions and clay accumulate in the B horsion or subsoil, this is the first zone of accumulation below the leaching zones.
Term
C Horizon
Definition
This horizon is at the base of a soil profile and consists of material derived from the substrate that's been chemically weathered and broken apart but has not yet undergone leaching or accumulation. This zone grades downward into the unweathered bedrock or unweathered sediment.
Term
Gravel
Definition
In between sand and cobble size pieces of rock
Term
Sand
Definition
smaller than gravel- worn down by physical processes. Rock and mineral composition. Larger than clay.
Term
Mud (Silt and Clay)
Definition
Smallest grain size
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