Coastal processes: Weathering, Erosion and Mass movement Key terms Flashcards
What is Weathering
the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the Earth’s surface.
What is Chemical weathering
the erosion or disintegration of rocks, etc, caused by chemical reaction
What is Mechanical/Physical weathering
the process that breaks rocks apart without changing their chemical composition
What is Biological Weathering
the process of rocks being broken caused by the movements of plants and animals. e.g: A burrowing Rabit
What is Erosion
the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and broken down by natural forces such as wind or water
What is attrition
When the rocks in the water hit against each other eroding into smoother and more circular rocks
What is abrasion
Rocks in the sea are flung at cliffs/rocks causing them to gradually be worn way and broken
What is Hydraulic power
Waves hitting against cliffs/rocks causing them to ware away and brake down over time
What is mass movement
the downhill movement of sediment due to the force of gravity
What is sliding
A slide occurs when a portion of the soil or rock along a steep slope suddenly gives away and moves downhill, usually aided by heavy rainfall
What is slumping
When permeable rock is above impermeable rock and it absorbs water causing it to gain weight and slump along down the sloped impermeable rock
