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GEOL 101
Ch. 6 Vocab.
25
Geology
Undergraduate 1
06/07/2012

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Cards

Term
Chemical Weathering
Definition
the processes by which the internal structure of a mineral is altered by the removal and/or addition of elements
Term
Differential Weathering
Definition
The variation in the rate and degree of weathering caused by such factors as mineral makeup, degree of jointing and climate
Term
Dissolution
Definition
A common form of chemical weathering, it is the process of dissolving into a homogeous solution, as when an acidic solution dissolves limestone
Term
Eluviation
Definition
the washing out of fine soil components from A horizon by down-ward-percolating water
Term
Erosion
Definition
the incorporation and transportation of material by a mobile agent, such as water, wind, or ice
Term
Exfoliation Dome
Definition
large, dome-shaped structure usually composed of granite, formed by sheeting
Term
External Process
Definition
process such as weathering, mass wasting, or erosion that is powered by the sun and contributes to the transformation of solid rock into sediment
Term
Frost Wedging
Definition
the mechanical breakup of rock caused by the expansion of freezing water in cracks and crevices
Term
Horizon
Definition
a layer in a soil profile
Term
Humus
Definition
organic matter in soil produced by the decomposition of plants and animals
Term
Hydrolysis
Definition
a chemical weathering process in which minerals are altered by chemically reacting with water and acids
Term
Internal Process
Definition
a process such as mountain building or volcanism that derives its energy from Earth's interior and elevates Earth's surface
Term
Leaching
Definition
The depletion of soluble materials from the upper soil by downward-percolating water
Term
Mass Wasting
Definition
The downslope movement of rock, regolith, and soil under the direct influence of gravity
Term
Mechanical Weathering
Definition
the physical disintegration of rock, resulting in smaller fragments
Term
Oxidation
Definition
the removal of one or more electrons from an atom or ion. so named because elements commonly combine with oxygen
Term
Parent Material
Definition
the material upon which a soil develops
Term
Regolith
Definition
the layer of rock and mineral fragments that nearly everywhere covers Earth's land surface
Term
Sheeting
Definition
a mechanical weathering process characterized by the splitting off of slablike sheets of rock
Term
Soil
Definition
a combination mineral and organic matter, water, and air; that portion of the regoltih that supports plant growth
Term
Soil Profile
Definition
a vertical section through a soil, showing its succession of horizons and the underlying parent material
Term
Soil Taxonomy
Definition
A soil classification system consisting of six hierarchical categories based observable soil characteristics. the system recognizes 12 soil orders.
Term
Solum
Definition
the O, A, and B horizons in a soil profile. living roots and other plant and animal life are largely confined to this zone.
Term
Spheroidal Weathering
Definition
any weathering process that tends to produce a spherical shape from an initially blocky shape.
Term
Weathering
Definition
the disintegration and decomposition of rock at or near the surface of Earth.
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