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| The process that breaks down rock at the Earth's surface. |
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| The movement of rock particles by wind, water, ice or gravity. |
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The physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces that have the same composition as the rock they came from.
Examples: Ice Wedging, Abrasion, Release of pressure, Gravity, Animals and Plants |
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| The breakdown of rocks into new substances like clay or rust (Iron Oxide) by chemical changes. Agents: Water, Oxygen, CO2, living organisms, acid rain. |
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| Average weather conditions in an area. |
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| The laying down of sediments on Earth. |
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| Eleven (11) different natural regions of Texas. Each region has different topography, geology, plants and animals. |
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| Water located beneath the surface of Earth which is trapped in spaces between rocks. |
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| Water that collects or flows across the surface of Earth; streams, rivers, lakes, ponds. |
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| Watershed (Drainage Basin) |
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| A land area where all the surface water drains into a general area and flows to the ocean. |
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| Solid layer of rock beneath topsoil |
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| Dark, decayed, organic material from plant and animal remains. Contains soil nutrients. |
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| Crumbly material composed of air, water, humus, clay and minerals at the top of the ground. |
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| Sudden changes in ecosystems caused by Tornado, Hurricane, Fire, Flood, Tsunami or Earthquake. |
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| The gradual replacement of one biological community by another. Primary-establishment of an ecosystem where none existed before like after a volcano. Secondary-reestablishment of a damaged ecosystem like after a fire. |
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Definition
| A mature ecosystem with many varieties of species: high biodiversity. |
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