Weathering, Erosion, Deposition: Effects on the Texas Ecoregion Environents

In the natural world, enviroments are characterized by: Types of soil Precipitation Temperature Land features Vegetation Animal wildlife

We have: Analyzed the characteristics of the ecoregions of Texas Investigated processes that change the surface of the Earth Explored how the process of weathering, erosion, and deposition have affected the environments in Texas ecoregion.

Edwards Plateau / Llano Uplift Enchanted Rock Located in Central Texas What’s happening? Exfoliation – mechanical weathering has caused the rock to “peel” in sheets. This was caused by contracting and expanding during heating and cooling in the temperature Mechanical or chemical weathering? What station? The weathering of sedimentary rock has exposed the granite dome underneath Other types of mechanical weathering present – plant roots

Edwards Plateau Georgetown- Inner Space Cavern Rainwater mixes with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and soils to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which acts to dissolve away limestone. Georgetown- Inner Space Cavern

High Plains Palo Duro Canyon was formed by water erosion by a fork in Red River that continues to become deeper One of the windiest regions in the US Low vegetation, so high wind erosion Which station activity most closely models the formation of Palo Duro Canyon?

Trans Pecos / Chihuanhuan Desert Big Bend– erosion from water flow from the Red River Big Bend– Ancient swamp, current desert Davis Mountains – formed from volcanic activity Guadalupe Mountains – formed by fossilized coral reef

Trans Pecos / Chihuanhuan Desert Big Bend - the warm red and brown colors of igneous rocks show oxidation, oxygen reacting with iron forming rust Big Bend– limestone cliff eroded by carbonic acid Water droplets capture carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid Which station models this erosion of the limestone cliffs?

Piney Woods Due to ample precipitation and abundant vegetation that holds the soil in place, there is very little erosion Thick vegetation near rivers inhibits river erosion. Which station activity most closely models seasonal flooding?

Gulf Coast Plains and Marshes Wave action, a cause of weathering, erosion and deposition, is constant along the Texas Coastline. Sediments are weathered and eroded along beaches and carried out into the ocean to form sand bars and islands Galveston Beach Mustang Island was formed by erosion and deposition Sand dunes in Padre Island

Gulf Coast Plains and Marshes When rivers, like the Brazos enter the Gulf of Mexico sediment being carried by the river stop moving and get deposit causing a delta.

Before Katrina After Katrina

Which station activity most closely models the effects of a hurricane on the Gulf Coast? Justify your answer. After Katrina