| A | B |
|---|
| Weathering | Surface processes that work to break down rock |
| Mechanical Weathering | Occurs when rocks are broken apart by physical processes |
| Ice Wedging | Occurs in temperate and cold climates where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands |
| Chemical Weathering | Occurs when chemical reactions dissolve or alter minerals in rocks or change them into different minerals |
| Oxidation | Occurs when some materials are exposed to oxygen and water |
| Climate | The pattern of weather that occurs in a particular area over many years |
| Soil | A mixture of weathered rock, decaying organic matter, mineral fragments, water, and air |
| Humus | Dark colored material formed from decayed organic material |
| Horizons | Different layers of soil |
| Soil profile | All the horizons of a soil |
| Litter | Leaves, twigs, and other organic material that can turn into humus |
| Leaching | The removal of minerals that have been dissolved in water |
| No-till farming | Farmers leave plant stalks in the field |
| Contour farming | Planting along natural contours of the land |
| Terracing | Steep-sided, level topped areas are built onto the sides of steep hills |
