mechanical weathering
The type of weathering in which rock is physically broken into smaller pieces
ice wedging
Process that splits rock when water seeps into cracks, then freezes and expands.
chemical weathering
The process in which rock is broken down by changes in its chemical makeup
decomposition
forms ions, feldspars decompose into clay minerals
weathering
The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface.
erosion
Processes by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away (i.e. weathering, glaciation)
soil formation
weathering of rock and the accumulation of organic material
parent rock composition
Usually no new material (other than water) is added to rock during metamorphism. Resulting metamorphic rock will have similar composition to parent rock.
soil horizon
The layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layers above or below it.
Horizon A
A/Topsoil: a mixture of particles derived from rock, living organisms, and decaying organic materials (humus)
Horizon B
4th layer, subsoil, large chunks, dense, clay, accumulation
laterite
thick soil in tropics and rain forests
pedalfer
humid climate soil, soils of the Tulsa area
pedocal
arid climate soil
processes that influence the rate and type of weathering
climate and rock features
exfoliation
A mechanical weathering process which removes protuding overlying layers and esposing the weathered down dome of the underlying layers
What mineral weathers to form most of the clay found in soils?
feldspar
What term is applied to the physical removal of rock fragments by transporting agents?
erosion
How does mechanical weathering aid chemical weathering?
break rock into smaller pieces example, changes size and shape, but not chemical composition of rock
Bauxite is associated with what type of soil?
pedalfer - humid
How is a rain forest soil different from a desert soil or arctic soil?
These locations all have different soils because of climate, topography, etc.
�What type of soil is found in the Tulsa area - pedalfers, pedocals or laterites?
pedalfers