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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 into smaller pieces.
Term
abrosion
Definition
The grinding away of rock by rock particles carried by water, ice, wind, or gravity.
Term
Ice wedging
Definition
The process that splits rock when water seeps into the cracks, then freezes and expands.
Term
Chemical weathering
Definition
The process that breaks down rock through chemical changes.
Term
Permeable
Definition
A material is full of tiny, connected air spaces that allow water to seep through it.
Term
Soil
Definition
The loose, weathered material on Earth's surface in which plants can grow.
Term
Bedrock
Definition
The solid layer of rock beneath the soil.
Term
Humus
Definition
The dark-colored substance that forms as plant and animal remains decay.
Term
soil horizon
Definition
A layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layers above or below it.
Term
topsoil
Definition
a crumbly, dark brown soil that is a mixture of humus, clay, and other minerales.
Term
subsoil
Definition
Usually consists of clay and other particles washed down from the A horizon, but 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 digest 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 severe loss of topsoil during the 1930's
Term
Soil conversion
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
loam
Definition
soil that is made up of about equal parts of clay, sand, and silt.
Term
What factors cause mechanical weathering?
Definition
freezing and thawing, release of pressure, growth of plants, and actions of animals.
Term
The 3 causes of chemical weathering
Definition
Water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide
Term
What factors affect the rate of weathering?
Definition
rock and climate
Term
Why does chemical weathering occur faster in hot wet climates than in cool, dry climates?
Definition
Chemical reactions occur faster at higher temperatures.
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