How Does Weathering Affect Earth's Surface? Pt 1/2

Is the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles by a natural process cause by water, wind, cold and heat, and gases. Small particles created by weathering are called sediments. 

Is the process by which fragments of rock are loosened and carried away. Sediments is transported as solid material or dissolved components. The most common transporting agent is flowing water. Other transporting agents include wind and ice. 

Is the principle of geology that suggests Earth's geologic processes acted in the same manner and intensity in the past as they do in the present. Accounts for all geologic change. Shows how layers of sediment collected of Earth's surface. 

In mechanical weathering, rocks are broken down into smaller pieces without changing their composition. Mechanical weathering is caused by freezing and thawing, release of pressure, plant growth, action of animals, and abrasion. 

In chemical weathering, rocks are broken down, and their composition changes. Chemical weathering is caused by water, oxidation, carbon dioxide, organisms, and acid rain. 

Two key factors affect the rates of weathering rock type and climate. Rock type: Minerals that dissolve easily weather faster, softer materials break apart more easily, porous minerals weather more easily. 

Two key factors affect the rates of weathering rock type and climate. Climate: is the single, most important factor that affects the rate of weathering. Chemical reactions occurs faster at higher temperatures, Warm climates favor chemical weathering, cold climates favor mechanical weathering(principally freezing and thawing), more moisture, or precipitation present, the more noticeable weathering. 

Soil is an accumulation of loose, weathered material covering much of Earth's surface. 

Is a solid layer of rock lying beneath Earth's soil layer. Bedrock: Is the source of rock and mineral fragments that make up soil. Is not weathered if it is not exposed to wind and water. 

Soil is the mixture of: rock particles-sand, silt, and clay. Minerals. decayed organic material- humus. water. air.    Fertility refers to the ability of soil to support plant health 

The texture of soil depends on its particle size: clay-fine grains, very little space for water. sand- coarse grains, loose, water drains quicklysilt-medium grains, retains water. 

A soil profile is a vertical section of soil that ranges from the surface to the bedrock. Each layer of a soil profile  is referred to as a soil horizon.Horizon O is the top layer, where organic material is presentHorizon A is top soilHorizon B is subsoilHorizon C contains weathered rock.