 Weathering- the breakdown of rock into smaller and smaller pieces.  Mechanical weathering- is simply the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means.  Chemical weathering- the chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals into new substances.

 There are three different layers of soil. Topsoil- contains more humus than any soil horizon. Subsoil- Where clays and dissolved substances from the topsoil collect. Bedrock- consists of partially weathered bedrock.

 Different types of rock weather at different rates.  Differential weathering is the process by which softer, less weather-resistant rocks wear away, leaving harder, more weather-resistant rocks behind. Rates of Weathering

 Soil conservation consist of the various methods by which humans take care of the soil.  Soil provides minerals and other nutrients for plants.

 Erosion is the process by which wind and water transport soil and sediment from one location to another.

 Tropical Climates- the air is very humid and the land receives a large amount of rain.  Desert Climates- doesn’t receive much of any water.  Temperate Climates- rich soil, which allows a good place to farm.  Arctic Climates- little precipitation Climates

 Soil provides a place for animals to live. The Importance of Soil  Earthworms, grubs, spiders, moles, and prairie dogs all live in soil.

 A cover crop is a crop that is planted between harvests to reduce soil erosion.  A Crop rotation is a common way to keep soils nutrient-rich.

 Over all, chapter ten defines all the different types of weathering.  It describes the layers of soil.  Talks about the importance of soil, and describes erosion.  And it describes different types of climates.