Definitions Flashcards
Definition of chemical weathering
Chemical weathering - the breaking down of rocks which changes their chemical composition due to chemicals/ substances in water or air ( eg. Corrosion ( solution ), oxidation, acid rain
Definition of deposition
The laying down of sediment carried by wind, water or ice
Definition of mass movement
The downslope movement of material due to gravity eg. slumps, , landslides , rockfalls , mudflows
Definition of hydraulic action
Is the process in which when a wave crashes against a rockface or cliff , air is forced into cracks within the rock. Because of the high presssure of the trapped air the cracks force apart and widen.
Definition of abrasion
Is the process in which wave action causes sediement to hit and scrape against the base of a rockface or cliff, gradually wearing it away ( like sandpaper against a piece of wood )
Definition of attrition
Is the process in which ( wave action causes ) rocks and pebbles hit against each other , wearing each other down and so becoming smaller and rounder
Definition of biotic factor
Living organism in an ecosystem eg . Animals , plants , bacteria
Definition of abiotic factor
Non - living organism ( component ) in an ecosystem eg. Temperature , water, sunlight , salt and soil.
Definition of corrosion ( solution ).
Definition of biological weathering
The breaking down of rocks caused by animals, plants , bacteria or fungi eg . Burrowing animals
Definition of physical / mechanical weathering
The breaking down of rocks which does not change their chemical composition eg. attrition, abrasion, hydraulic action, corrasion, freeze - thaw weathering
Definition of erosion
The wearing away of sediment caused by wind, water or ice
Definition of ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community where biotic organisms interact ( in contact ) with abiotic components.
What is a tombolo ?
A tombolo is a narrow strip of land that connects an island to the mainland or another island.
