Chapter 4 Rock Abrasion Flashcards
What is a mineral?
A mineral is a naturally occurring solid material that consists of atoms and/or molecules that are arranged in a regular pattern.
Define rock abrasion.
Rock abrasion is the wearing away of rock by the rubbing of two rock surfaces together to loosen or break away mineral particles. Abrasion happens between two pieces of rock that are in motion in a water flow or a landslide, or between a moving piece of rock and an underlying bedrock surface, as in a river or a glacier.
What is a glacier?
A glacier is a large and long-lasting mass of ice that is formed on land by compaction and recrystallization of snow, which flows downhill or outward under the force of its own weight.
When does rock abrasion occur?
Rock abrasion occurs when rocks collide with one another or rub against one another.
Where does rock abrasion occur in nature?
Hills, landslides, and rivers/streams.
List examples of rock abrasion in nature.
Landslides: Pieces of rock slide past one another as the mass moves downhill and COLLIDE or RUB and breakdown.
Glaciers: Pieces of rock that are frozen into the ice are dragged along beneath the glacier also RUBBING against each other or the ground.
Rivers/Streams: Pieces of rock that are being moved by the flow rub against one another and against other pieces resting on the river bed. They can also collide.
List examples in your community where you can find rock abrasion.
In rivers, streams, at the beach, hills, or mountains.
How would an increase in rainfall affect the rate of rock abrasion?
An increase in rainfall affects the rate of rock abrasion by increasing the amount of rock abrasion due to more water colliding with rocks in rivers or streams (the rain could also make rocks roll down hills and rub together, or freeze and drag the rocks under the ice causing them to rub together).
How does the abrasion of rock fragments in moving water affects the hydrosphere?
The abrasion of rock fragments in moving water affects the hydrosphere by making water cloudier and murkier.
What does the word abrasion mean?
The word abrasion means “to wear away.”
Polishing stones to make jewelry is done in a what?
Polishing stones to make jewelry is done in a rock tumbler.
After a long time in the ocean pebbles can become what?
After a long time in the ocean pebbles can become smooth and well rounded.
What is a product f the tumbling action of the ocean?
Sand is a product f the tumbling action of the ocean.
A long-lasting mass of ice is a what?
A long-lasting mass of ice is a glacier.
Abrasion comes from what language?
Abrasion comes from the Latin language.
