EARTH PROCESSES Flashcards
refer to the natural physical and chemical phenomena that occur on and within the planet
Earth. These processes are responsible for shaping the landscape, producing natural
resources, and supporting life on Earth
EARTH PROCESSES
EARTH PROCESSES
a. PLATE TECTONICS
b. HYDROLOGIC CYCLE
c. BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
d. ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES
e. GEOLOGIC PROCESSES
f. HUMAN IMPACTS
g. WEATHERING AND EROSION
the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates, which causes earthquakes, volcanic
activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
PLATE TECTONICS
the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface, which
includes precipitation, evaporation, and the flow of water through rivers and aquifers.
HYDROLOGIC CYCLE
the movement of nutrients and other chemicals through the Earth’s ecosystems,
including the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.
BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
the movement of air and the formation of weather patterns, including storms, tornadoes,
and hurricanes.
ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES
the formation and transformation of rocks and minerals, including the formation of
sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
GEOLOGIC PROCESSES
the ways in which human activity affects the Earth’s processes, including deforestation,
pollution, and climate change.
HUMAN IMPACTS
the breakdown of rocks and minerals on the Earth’s surface due to weather and the
movement of water and wind, which shapes the landscape and produces sediment.
WEATHERING AND EROSION
- natural process of breaking down rocks, soils, and minerals on or near the Earth’s surface
- The primary purpose is to transform solid rock into smaller pieces and materials that can be
transported and incorporated into soils, sedimentary deposits, or other geologic formations
WEATHERING
3 MAIN TYPES OF WEATHERING
- Physical Weathering
- disintegration of rock or mineral due to physical forces - Chemical Weathering
- breakdown of rock or mineral due to chemical reactions with water, air, and other
substances - Biological Weathering
- process of rock breakdown or alteration caused by living organisms such as plants and
animals
PHYSICAL WEATHERING
a. FREEZE-THAW WEATHERING
b. ABRASION
c. EXFOLIATION
occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks or the pores between soil particles and
freezes. The expansion of the water creates high pressures, which can widen the
cracks or force apart the soil particles
FREEZE-THAW WEATHERING
Rocks and sediment grinding against each other wear away surfaces
ABRASION
occurs when outer layers of rocks break off and the released pressure causes rock to
expand and break
EXFOLIATION
CHEMICAL WEATHERING
a. OXIDATION
b. HYDROLYSIS
c. CARBONATION
reaction of minerals with oxygen in the air, resulting in the formation of oxides
OXIDATION
this is the reaction of minerals with water to form new minerals
HYDROLYSIS
this is the reaction of minerals with carbon dioxide in the air or water, leading to the
formation of carbonate minerals
CARBONATION
BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING
a. ROOT WEDGING
b. BURROWING ANIMALS
c. BIOMINERALIZATION
This is the process of plant roots growing into cracks in rocks, exerting pressure and
causing them to break apart.
ROOT WEDGING
This is the process of animals such as rodents and earthworms digging into the soil
and breaking apart rocks in the process.
BURROWING ANIMALS
This is the process of microorganisms altering the chemical composition of minerals
in rocks, leading to their breakdown or transformation into new materials.
BIOMINERALIZATION
FACTORS AFFECTING WEATHERING
- CLIMATE
- TOPOGRAPHY
- ROCK TYPE
- TIME
- HUMAN ACTIVITY
has significant importance in engineering as it can affect the stability, durability, and
performance of various engineering structures, materials, and components.
Weathering
