Earth Systems and Resources
frost wedging
caused when water freezes between cracks in rocks breaking the rock
(topsoil) the zone of organic material and minerals mixed together.
A horizon
In what way does a transform boundary differ from the other boundary types?
At a transform boundary, the plates move in a direction that is parallel to the boundary line.
(subsoil) composed primarily of mineral material with very little organic matter.
B horizon
(parent material) the least weathered horizon and is similar to the parent material.
C horizon
the ability of a soil to adsorb and release cations, positively charged mineral ions.
Cation exchange capacity
(organic layer) composed of the leaves, needles, twigs and animal bodies on the surface.
O horizon
plant or animal acids
acids excreted by animals or plants, such as lichens, break down rocks
watershed
all of the land in a given landscape that drains into a particular stream, river, lake, or wetland.
carbonation
atmospheric carbon dioxide is dissolved in rain creating carbonic acid breaking down limestone
the proportion of soil bases to soil acids
base saturation
hydrolysis
breakdown by water reacting with silicate based rocks
exfoliation
caused by changes in pressure
root pry
caused by roots growing on or around rocks
abrasion
caused by wind or water flowing over rocks
In subduction the __________ plate moves below the ____________ plate
continental
deposition
creates sedimentary rocks if compacted over time. depositional features = sand/point bars, delta, oxbow lake, alluvial fan, sand dunes
Which boundary or zone adds new material to the lithosphere (the hard outer crust of the Earth)?
divergent boundary
warm ocean temperatures in Pacific near South America
el niño
between 30 and 60 degrees, not driven by temperature, driven by differences in pressure
ferrell cell
igneous rock
forms directly from magma
sedimentary rock
forms when sediment such as mud, sands, or gravels are compressed by overlying sediment.
metamorphic rock
forms when sedimentary, igneous or other metamorphic rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures.
between 0 and 30 degrees, largest cells
hadley cell
cooler temperatures in the Pacific near South America and along the equator
la niña
The liquid becomes ___________ dense as it is ___________ causing it to rise, but as it rises, it becomes _________ dense and __________ causing it to sink.
less/heated, more/cooler
oxidation
oxygen and water combine with a metal resulting in it breaking down, most common with iron statues
between 60 and 90 degrees, smallest cells
polar cell
aluminum and hydrogen
soil acids
calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium
soil bases
Which type of plate boundary or zone would be most likely to lead to above-ground volcanic activity?
subduction zone
What layer of Earth does the water represent?
the mantle