| A | B |
|---|
| Weathering | the breaking down of rocks on the Earth’s surface into smaller pieces |
| Mechanical weathering | rocks are broken into smaller pieces without changing the chemical composition of the rocks |
| Chemical weathering | rocks are broken down chemically into rocks with different properties |
| Soil | the end product of weathering |
| humus | Decaying organic material (dead plants and animals) |
| horizons | As soil forms, it develops separate layers called |
| soil profile | A cross-section of soil that shows distinct horizons |
| A horizon | topsoil, contains many living organisms |
| B horizon | subsoil, mainly clay |
| C horizon | partially weathered rock |
| Erosion | the process by which weathered rock and soil particles are moved from one place to another |
| Deposition | the process by which sediments are laid down in new locations |
| solution | sediments dissolve into the stream water |
| suspension | small sediments such as silt and clay are picked up and carried |
| beach | a shoreline consisting of weathered and eroded rock particles (sand). |
| Wind | the most active agent of erosion in deserts, fields, and on beaches |
| deflation | wind picks up small, loose particles |
| glacier | a large, slow moving mass of ice and snow |
| Gravity | a force that pulls rocks and soil down slopes |
