groundwater-soils | GEOS 3014 - Environmental Geosciences, Quizzes of Geology

Download groundwater-soils | GEOS 3014 - Environmental Geosciences and more Quizzes Geology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 Define Weathering and the difference between chemical and physical weathering DEFINITION 1 The general process by which rock is broken down at the earth's surfaceChemical weathering is the change in minerals through chemical reactionsPhysical weathering is the physical fragmentation with no chemical change TERM 2 What are several geologic factors that control weathering and how? DEFINITION 2 Rock Type- individual minerals can be more vulnrable, or internal layering as part of their mechanical structureClimate- Chemically weather faster in warm wet climates and physical weathering is faster in cold regionsEffects of Soil- Soil accelerates by providing a moist and acidic environment TERM 3 What are the purely physical forces that degrade rocks DEFINITION 3 ice wedgingfrost heavingstructural fracturingmeteorite bombardmenttree root action TERM 4 Soil Terminology Definitions DEFINITION 4 Engineering-Loose and unconsolidated materialGeology- a layer of unconsolidated weathered material above solid bedrockSoil Science- a layer of unconsolidated weathered materil with organic matter that supports plantsPlanetary Science- Regolith- broken up mineral and rock debris TERM 5 Describe how soil develops on both granitic surfaces and basaltic surfaces DEFINITION 5 Granitic surfaces- very slow weathering and soil development ecspecially in dry climates. Takes hundreds to tens of thousands of yearsBasaltic- can be quite rapid in tropical climates. Plants establish within ten years TERM 6 Name and Describe the two types of climate soils DEFINITION 6 Pedalfers- wet climate soils in eastern US. thick and are characterized by effective downward water movement and leaching(Al and Fe)Pedocals- arid climate soils (west of Miss) charachterized by upward water movement and deposition of the surface minerls through evaporation. TERM 7 Name the Soil Profiles DEFINITION 7 Zone of leachingO horizon-mostly organic, dark brownA horizon-mineral and organic, dark brownE horison-leached zone light due to leaching of FeZone of AccumulationB horizon-zone of accumulationK horizon-calcite rich very light coloredC horizon-heavily weathred parent rockR horizon- bedrock with fracturing and incipient weathering TERM 8 Describe how soil color is related to Fe oxides and what indicators soil color can give DEFINITION 8 the production or concentration of Fe oxides in parental materials produces red or red brown soilswell drained and aerated soils are also red due to efficient Fe oxidationpooly drained soils cause a reduction in Fe and the soil color is brown or yellow. This could be an indicator of environmental problems TERM 9 Describe weak, moderate and well developed soil profiles DEFINITION 9 weak-No b horizon and a few hundred years oldModerate-clay rich where B is between A and C with a better texture and redder colorWell developed-more clay rich and redder color likely K horizonage. clay content and red color increase as soil profile develops TERM 10 Name and Describe the engineering properties of Soils DEFINITION 10 PlasticityStrengthSensitivityCompressibilityErodabilityPermeabilityCorrosion PotentialEase of excavation TERM 21 DEFINITION 21 soil Loss equation TERM 22 What are the effects of Sediment Pollution DEFINITION 22 -depletion of soils-reduction in surface-water quality- reduction in soil productivity-reduction in reservoir storage capacityBenificial: resupply of sand to beaches TERM 23 sediment yield Changes in a Forest DEFINITION 23 water infiltrates and runs through the soil into the channel TERM 24 DEFINITION 24 After Clearcut=soil is more compacted-increased surface runoff and sediment production-low flow discharge to stream-more landslides due to decaying tree rootsincrease in sediment in channel TERM 25 DEFINITION 25 After conversion to Farmland-increased surface runoff and soil erosion from freshly plowed land-increase in sediment channel TERM 26 DEFINITION 26 After Urbanization- large increase in runoff from urban surfaces and storm sewers TERM 27 What are the effects of Urbanization on Soils? DEFINITION 27 soil loss through natual protection loss and erosionexchange of soil types through fill processdraining or pumping soils may cause drying ans shrinkageurbanization may accelerate sediment pollution of streams by chemicals TERM 28 Describe Desertification DEFINITION 28 the process of turning useful and agriculturally productive land into unproductive desert like land. linked to climate change and human activitiesSymptoms:declining groundwater tablesalinization of soilsreduction of surface waterhigh soil erosion ratesvegetation damage TERM 29 what do soil surveys determine DEFINITION 29 soil description and classificationengineering propertiesextents of soil typesmoisture contentshrink well potentialstrength