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