Geology Terms: Weathering, Erosion, and Soil Formation, Quizzes of Geology

Download Geology Terms: Weathering, Erosion, and Soil Formation and more Quizzes Geology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 Weathering DEFINITION 1 Breakdown of rocks at earth's surface TERM 2 Erosion DEFINITION 2 Removal and transport of rock particles TERM 3 Chemical weathering DEFINITION 3 Chem. alteration of minerals into new minerals that are more stable under surface conditions (low temp and pressure)- creates new minerals; often mechanically weaker TERM 4 Mechanical weathering DEFINITION 4 Physical breakup of ricks into smaller pieces-provides more surface area for chem. weathering reactions-creates new fractures, expands existing fractures TERM 5 Solution DEFINITION 5 Minerals dissolve in water (water-soluble minerals)-Halite, calcite TERM 6 Hydrolysis DEFINITION 6 Acidic water + common silicate minerals => clay minerals + dissolved silica ions-how we make soils TERM 7 Hydration DEFINITION 7 -absorption of water into mineral-clays TERM 8 Oxidation DEFINITION 8 -Mineral reacts with oxygen-Often acts with hydration- metallic sulphides TERM 9 Chemical weathering rates of minerals DEFINITION 9 -Minerals formed under high pressure and temp are least stable at earth's surface TERM 10 Pressure release DEFINITION 10 remove overlying weight => rock expands