Geological Processes
Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, & Soil
Weathering
Three Different Types of Weathering
Weathering is when the surface of something is worn away after exposure to the elements. There are three different types: physical, chemical, and biological. Physical weathering is when an object is worn down without its chemical composition being changed. Chemical weathering is when an object is worn down after a chemical reaction has occurred. Biological weathering is when rock is worn down from plants, animals, etc.
Physical Weathering
The picture shows a rock that has been through freeze-thaw weathering; as you can see, this rock has been pulled apart over time from the continuous freezing and thawing. The rock will eventually break apart completely.
Chemical Weathering
The picture shows a rock that has been chemically weathered through oxidation. This means that chemicals within the rock have reacted with oxygen and created rust, an orange-red substance.
Biological Weathering
As you can see in the photo, the roots of the tree have grown down into the rock and broken it apart over time.
Erosion
Erosion is when sediments that have been broken down are moved around by the elements, such as wind and water.
Natural Bridge
The photo above shows a natural bridge in Virginia created from water continuously flowing through and wearing away the rock over time.
Wave Rock
This landform in Australia has been formed from wave erosion; the waves have washed against the rock over time, undercutting the base and creating a sort of over-hang.
Deposition
Deposition is when sediments are deposited in a place, creating rocks and landforms over time.
This is a photo of sandbars in the Outer Banks; waves have carried sand and deposited it over time to create them.
This is a photo of an alluvial fan in Death Valley, California; sediments in the water flowing over the mountain were deposited at the bottom and created the fan over time.
Soil Composition
Soil is made up of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. It is full of essential nutrients for plants to grow and thrive.
How is soil used? Why is it so important in North Carolina?
Soil is used to grow plants; those that we grow just because they're visually appealing, and those called crops. Soil is so important in North Carolina because a lot of people in this state make a living off of farming, and crops such as tomatoes and strawberries are grown for food, which is essential to life.
What type of soil is found in North Carolina?
Cecil soil drains very well and is permeable, meaning it allows other substances, like water, to pass through it easily. It is made up mostly of weathered felsic, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
Soil Conservation
One method of soil conservation used is crop rotation. This is when the crops planted are alternated throughout the year to preserve the nutrients within the soil.
Weathering and Erosion: Crash Course Kids #10.2
Mackenzie Bordeaux
I'm a freshman in high school, and my favorite subject in school is English. In my free time, I read a lot, work at my grandpa's restaurant, and go to the gym.