Details Title: chp 6 Description: terms Total Flash Cards: 16 Created: 10/16/2007 21:25:39		New Users: To study from this flashcard set, or to create your own your own study flash cards, REGISTER HERE. Existing Users: CLICK HERE. Additional Geology Flashcards
Cards in this set: Term Weathering Definition any process by which rocks disintegrate or decompose Term Erosion Definition wearing away of any part of earths surface by natural processes Term Disintegration Definition process by which rock is broken into small pieces with no change in composition Term Decomposition Definition any chemical process whereby original composition of material is changed Term Mechanical weathering Definition rocks broken or reduced in particle size with no composition chanaged Term Chemical weathering Definition decomposition of rocks and minerals by dissolution, oxidation, and carbonation/hydorlysis Term Frost action Definition mechanical weathering process caused by alternate freezing and thawing of water in rock fracture Term Freeze-thaw cycle Definition frost action repeating Term Exfoliation Definition mechanical weathering by which concentric layers of rock are removed. (Removal of layers from an onion) Term Spheroidal weathering Definition form of weathering where concentric or spheroidal layers of rock are removed Term Plant wedging Definition plant roots fracture within rocks Term Oxidation Definition chemical weathering, rocks react to carbonic acid Term Hydrolysis Definition chemical weathering with water Term Activation energy Definition energy required to initiate chemical reaction or process Term Regolith Definition the layer of unconsolidated material accumulated above bedrock Term Soil Definition portion of the regolith that support plant life outdoors