Physical Geography of Weathering Terms Flashcards

is the general term applied to the combined action of all process that cause rocks disintegrate physically and decompose chemically due to exposure near the Earth surface.

A surface layer of weathered rock particles that lies above solid, unaltered rocks. (Weathering produces this)

downhill movement created by gravity creates downhill movement of soil and earth but without the movement of water and ice.

Also known as mechanical weathering produces regolith from massive rock by the action of forces strong to fracture rock.

Repeated growth and melting of ice crystals in pore spaces of soil and rock fractures
- causes joints which is bedrock cut into a system of fractures

The process of separating rock along joints and bedding planes

Loose fragments that detaches from bare rock cliffs that fall to cliff base, talus slopes are where production of is rapid and accumulate

- is weathering process of rock disintegration by the growth of salt crystals in the rock pores. Happens in dry climates responsible for caves , rock arches, and pits

Move groundwater to the surface of the rocks

Process that relieves the confining pressure on underlying rock, occurs as erosion of overlying layers brings rock near the surface

- type of jointing that are created by crack in layers that are more or less parallel rot he surface

Sheeting structure forms over top a single large knob or hill of a massive rock

processes in its discussion of mineral alteration (dominate process of chemical change affecting silicate minerals are oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonic acid action)

- decomposition by hydrolysis and oxidation changes the minerals of strong rock into weaker forms that are rich in clay minerals and oxides

- weak acid forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water (rain, soil water, and stream). Sedimentary rocks like marble and limestone are very susceptible to this. This process causes cupping, grooving and fluting intricate designs