Weathering and Erosion Study Guide--KEY

Define the following terms:

1. Abrasion—mechanical weathering where rocks are worn away by contact with other rocks.

2. Weathering (forms sediment)—process in which rocks break down. There are 2 types: mechanical (where the rock is broken into smaller pieces) chemical (where the rock is broken down by chemical reaction)

3. Erosion (moves sediment)—the movement of sediment by wind, ice, gravity, water

4. Deposition—where the eroded sediment is placed

5. Fertile Soil—a soil that is rich in nutrients that allows for plants to grow. Sometimes called loam (where humus would definitely be)

6. Humus—organic material formed in soil formed from the decayed remains of plants and animals. The remains are broken down by decomposers

7. Hot and wet climate causes chemical weathering to occur a. More rapidly

8. What 3 farming methods would be used for soil conservation?

Terracing, crop rotation, contour plowing, no-till farming

10. What are the most important factors in determining the rate of weathering?

Elevation, climate, make-up of the rock

11. What is the first step in soil formation? Weathering of the parent rock

12. What are the three layers of soil? What order are they arranged in?

Horizon A—topsoil Horizon B—subsoil Horizon C—weathering rock Bedrock—solid rock

13. Which is the largest soil particle? Smallest?

Largest--sand smallest--clay

14. What type of soil is best for growing crops?

Loam

13. What layer of soil contains the most organic layer needed for plant growth?

Topsoil—it has humus

14. What is the organism called that chemically weathers away rock?

lichens

15. What are three different types of abrasion?

Wind, gravity, water

16. What is it called when water freezes and splits rock apart?

Ice wedging

17. What type of mechanical erosion causes a slump:

Gravity

18. What 2 elements, when combined, cause rust?

Iron and oxygen

19. Know the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Non renewable resources take millions of years for the earth to make again, for example: natural gas, coal

***Be able to answer the MYP unit question “How does land change?” **