Wind key terms (HD) Flashcards
Thermal fracture
The weathering of rock as a result of its rapid heating and cooling
Exfoliation (onion skin)
A process of mechanical weathering that results in the breakdown, splitting, or peeling of the outer rock layers
Crystal growth
The development of rock crystals due to the evaporation of saline water in its cracks
Hydration
The absorption of water into rocks, causing swelling and change of composition
Hydrolysis
The combination of acidic water with minerals, forming clay/ dissolvable salts, that degrade the rock
Oxidation
Oxygen and water cause iron minerals in rocks to oxidise and appear red/brown
Duricrust/ hardpans
The accumulation of salts on the surface
Gypcrete
Gypsum cemented duricrust that forms at the soil surface
Calcrete
Calcium carbonate duricrust that forms at the soil surface
Desert varnish
Where iron and manganese oxides which are weathered at depth, and then are drawn to the surface in solution, are evaporated, leaving a deep red stain
Block disintegration
The breaking off of large rocks from a surface due to repeated expansion of fractures
Granular disintegration
The breaking of rocks into small grains, due to repeated expansion of fractures
Freeze thaw weathering
The freezing and then thawing of water in cracks, causing expansion of fractures
Congelifraction
The repeated cycle of freeze thaw weathering
Deflation
Where wind moves dry, unconsolidated sand, silt and clay particles from the surface and transports them away
