the process by which rock materials are broken down by the action of physical and chemical processes
weathering
the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means
mechanical weathering
the grinding and wearing away of rock surfaces through the mechanical action of other rock or sand particles
abrasion
the process by which rocks break down as a result of chemical reactions
chemical weathering
rain, sleet, or snow, that contains a high concentration of acids
acid precipitation
the process by which softer, less weather resistant rocks wear away and leave harder, more weather resistant rocks behind
differential weathering
a loose mixture of rock fragments, organic material, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation
soil
a rock formation that is the source of soil
parent rock
the layer of rock beneath soil
bedrock
the soil quality that is based on the proportions of soil particles
soil texture
the arrangement of soil particles
soil structure
the dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals
humus
the removal of substances that can be dissolved from rock, ore, or layers of soil due to the passing of water
leaching
a method to maintain the fertility of the soil by protecting the soil from erosion and nutrient loss
soil conservation
the process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transport soil and sediment from one location to another
erosion