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Weathering and soil formation
chapter 7
24
Science
7th Grade
12/05/2006

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Term
weathering
Definition
is the process that breaks down rock and other substances at Earth's surface.
Term
erosion
Definition
is the movement of rock particles by wind, water, ice, or gravity.
Term
mechanical weathering or physical weathering
Definition
the type of weathering in which rock is physically broken into smaller pieces.
Term
abrasion
Definition
refers to the grinding away of rock by rock particles carried by water, ice, wind, or gravity.
Term
ice wedging
Definition
wedges of ice in rocks widen and deepen cracks.
Term
chemical weathering
Definition
is the process that breaks down rock through chemical changes.
Term
permeable
Definition
means that a material is full of tiny, connected air spaces that allow water to seep through it.
Term
soil
Definition
is 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
is a dark-colered substance 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
is 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 minerals. It is the A horizon.
Term
subsoil
Definition
usually consists of clay and other particles washed down from the A horizon, but little humus. It is the B horizon.
Term
litter
Definition
the loose layer formed when plants shed leaves.
Term
decomposers
Definition
are 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
is one that is naturally replaced in a relatively short time.
Term
dust bowl
Definition
was an area where wind erosion caused severe loss of topsoil during the 1930's.
Term
soil conservation
Definition
is the management of soil to prevent its destruction.
Term
contour plowing
Definition
is the practice of plowing fields along the curves of a slope.
Term
conservation plowing
Definition
disturbs the soil and its plant cover as little as possible.
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