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weathering and soil formation
chapter 7 key terms
25
Science
7th Grade
12/04/2006

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Term
weathering
Definition
the process that breaks down rock and other substances at Earth's surface.
Term
erosion
Definition
the movement of rock particles, by wind, water, ice, or gravity.
Term
Mechanical weathering(physical)
Definition
the type of weathering in which rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces.
Term
abrasion
Definition
refers to the grinding away of rock particles carried away by water ,ice,wind,or gravity.
Term
ice wedging
Definition
wedges of ice in rocks widen and deepen cracks.
Term
chemical weathering
Definition
the process that breaks down rock through chemical changes.
Term
Permeable
Definition
means that a material is full of tiny, connectedair spaces that allow water to seep through it.
Term
soil
Definition
the loose, weathered material on Earth's surfacein which plants can grow.
Term
bedrock
Definition
the solid layer of rock beneath the soil.
Term
humus
Definition
a dark-colored subtance that forms as plant and animal remains decay.
Term
loam
Definition
Soil that is made up of about equal parts of clay,sand,and silt.
Term
soil horizon
Definition
A layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layer.above or below it.
Term
topsoil
Definition
A crumbly, dark brown soil that is a mixture of humus,clay, and other materials.
Term
subsoil
Definition
Consists of clay and other particles washed down fromthe A horizon, but with little humus.
Term
litter
Definition
As plants shed leaves,they form a loose layer.
Term
decomposers
Definition
The organisms that break the remains of dead organisms into smaller pieces and degest them with chemicals.
Term
sod
Definition
the thick mass of tough roots at the surface of the soil.
Term
renewable resource
Definition
one that is naturally replaced in a relatively short time.
Term
Dust bowl
Definition
an area where wind erosion caused servere loss of topsoil during the 1930's.
Term
soil conservation
Definition
the management of soil to prevent its destruction.
Term
contour plowing
Definition
the practice of plowing fields along the curves of a slope.
Term
consevation plowing
Definition
disturbs the soil and its plant cover as little as possible.
Term
factors that cause mechanical weathering
Definition
release of pressure, freezing and thawing, plant growth, abrasion, and animal attacks.
Term
describe three causes of chemical weathering.
Definition
water is the most important agent of chemical weathering. Water weathers rock by dissolving it.Oxygen makes your bike rust and makes it crumbly and soft. Carbon dioxide also causes chemical weathering.Carbon dioxide produces carbonic acid which easily weathers limestone and marble.
Term
What factors affect the rate of weathering?
Definition
If the subtance si permeable it affects the rate of weathering
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