1. Weathering: Chemical Weathering: the breakdown of rock into sediments
The process by which
rocks break down as
a result of chemical reactions

2. Lichen: Mechanical Weathering: Fungi and algae that
secrete a weak acid that
breaks down rock
Mechanical Weathering:
The process by which
rocks break down as
into smaller pieces by
physical means

3. Plant growth: Oxidation: Plant roots looking for
water and nutrients break
down rock
Oxidation:
Iron interacts with oxygen
and water to form rust that
breaks down rocks

4. Abrasion: Acid Precipitation: Rain, sleet, or snow that contains
a high concentration of acids
Abrasion:
The grinding and wearing away
of rock surfaces through the
mechanical action of other rocks
Or sand (Wind, Water, Gravity)

5. Erosion: Ice Wedging: Water seeps into cracks during
warm weather. When temperatures
drop, the water freezes and expands.
Erosion:
The movement of sediments
from one place to another by
wind, water, or glaciers

6. Soil: Deposition: The process in which material is laid down
The loose mixture of small
mineral fragments, organic material,
water, and air that can support the
growth of vegetation

7. Bedrock: Soil texture: Parent rock: A rock formation that is the
source of soil
Bedrock:
The layer of rock beneath soil
Soil texture:
The soil quality that is based on the
proportions of soil particles

8. Leaching: Humus: Soil conservation: The dark organic material formed
in soil from the decayed remains
of plants and animals
Leaching:
The removal of substances that can be dissolved from rock, ore, or layers of soil due to the passing of water
Soil conservation:
A method to maintain the fertility of the soil by protecting the soil from erosion and nutrient loss