4 - Geology and Coastal Environments Flashcards
What are the three main types of rocks?
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering?
Physical weathering involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks, while chemical weathering involves the decay of minerals through chemical reactions.
What are the four layers of the Earth?
Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core.
What is the rock cycle?
The rock cycle is the continuous process where rocks change from one type to another through melting, cooling, weathering, and pressure.
How do metamorphic rocks form?
Metamorphic rocks form when igneous or sedimentary rocks are subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to change in structure.
What is the importance of soil in an ecosystem?
Soil supports plant growth, decomposes organic matter, and recycles nutrients, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystems.