weathering
What is the process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces?
weathering
What is erosion primarily defined as?
Erosion is the process by which the Earth's surface is worn away and transported by the action of water, wind, ice, and other natural agents.
What is a glacier?
A glacier is a large, slow-moving river of ice that forms in high-elevation or polar regions where snow accumulates year-round and compacts into dense ice over time.
What is a defining characteristic of minerals?
naturally occuring
What landform can be created by wave erosion?
sea arches
What type of weathering occurs when water freezes in rock cracks and expands?
ice wedging
Which natural agent is NOT responsible for erosion?
pollution
Name a landform created by glaciers.
cirque, U shaped valley, horne, etc.
How is luster defined?
Luster is the shine, polish, or reflective quality of a mineral or other material.
What type of soil is formed in place and not transported?
residual soil
How do tree roots contribute to weathering?
breaking up of rocks
What factors influence the flow of streams and rivers?
gradient, velocity, steepness, etc
How do glaciers contribute to both erosion and deposition?
they move and deposit sediment to create landforms.
What does cleavage refer to in minerals?
clean breaking on flat planes
Describe how wind contributes to erosion along shorelines.
wind moves sand to the desert and erodes the cliff sides
What is the term for rocks peeling off in layers due to uplift and frost action?
exposition
What can high velocity in a river lead to?
high levels of erosion
What is the role of glaciers in the global water cycle?
they hold 75% of the fresh water on Earth
What is the Mohs scale used for?
hardness
What is a distinctive feature of a "hanging valley"?
there is a steep drop off at the end.
Explain the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering with examples.
mechanical: physical changes to rocks
chemical: changes to the chemical structure of a rock
Describe how erosion shapes the Grand Canyon.
Colorado River ran through the middle and created the grand canyon.
Describe the formation of a fjord as a result of glacial activity.
fjords are created as glaciers move through mountain ranges and water fills in the gaps
Explain the difference between fracture and cleavage in minerals.
fracture: breaking into many pieces, jagged
cleavage: breaking in flat planes
Explain the process of sedimentation and its focus on particle settling.
Sedimentation is the process by which particles suspended in a fluid settle out and accumulate due to the force of gravity acting on them. The rate of sedimentation depends on the characteristics of the particles and the properties of the fluid medium.