| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Weathering | The natural process by which atmospheric and environmental agents, such as wind, rain, and temperature chances, disintegrate and decompose rocks |
| Mechanical Weathering | The process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces by physical means |
| Abrasion | The grinding and wearing away of rock surfaces through the mechanical action of other rock or sand particles |
| Chemical Weathering | The process by which rocks break down as a result of chemical reactions |
| Acid Precipitation | Rain, sleet, or snow that contains a high concentration of acids |
| Differential Weathering | The process by which softer, less weather resistant rocks wear away at a faster rate than harder, more weather resistant rocks do |
| Soil | A loose mixture of rock fragments, organic material, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation |
| Parent Rock | A rock formation that is the source of soil |
| Bedrock | The layer of rock beneath soil |
| Soil Texture | The soil quality that is based on the proportions of soil particles |
| Soil Structure | The arrangement of soil particles |
| Humus | Dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals |
| Soil Conservation | A method to maintain the fertility of the soil by protecting the soil from erosion and nutrient loss |
| Erosion | The process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transports soil and sediment from one location to another |
