Chapter 10 Flashcards
What is geomorphology?
Science of landscape formation
What is endogenic?
internal processes
-heat and material flows from below crust
what is exogenic?
external processes
-sculpting and weathering that breaks up crust
Is weathering an endogenic or exogenic process?
exogenic
What is dynamic equilibrium?
balancing act between tectonic uplift and erosion between the resistance of crust materials and the work of denudation processes. landscapes evidence ongoing adaptation to rock structure, climate, local relief, and elevation
What is weathering?
only refers to the processes that break up earth surface materials
What is erosion?
erosion transports weathered materials
What environmental forces influence how a landscape weathers?
- Character of bedrock
- Soil and groundwater
- Exposure to sun, wind, atmosphere
- Presence of vegetation
- Climate Patterns
What is frost action/freeze thaw?
water enters surface through cracks and expand when it freezes breaking surface apart
What is crystallization?
dry weather draws moisture to rock surface, water evaporates and leaves behind minerals crystal grows as minerals build up, break off grains from rock
What is pressure release jointing?
surface above igneous rock is removed and releases pressure, layers of rock can peel off in curbed slabs
What is hydration/hydrolysis?
minerals take on water and create physical pressure, decomposition of minerals
What are the chemical weathering processes?
Hydrolysis
carbonation
oxidation
What are the physical weathering processes?
frost action
crystallization
pressure release jointing
What is carbonation?
water and carbon dioxide meet and dissolve limestone–sink holes
