Download APES 10 Things-Weathering and Erosion

10 Things to Know: WEATHERING & EROSION
1. Weathering is the breakdown of rock chemically and physically.

Chemical weathering (acid rain, chemical reactions)

Physical weathering can be aided by: plant roots, ice
2. Erosion is the movement of weathered sediments altering the surface of the land.
Deposition is the placement of those eroded sediments in a new location.
3. Agents of erosion are wind and water
Rock Cycle- weathering and erosion are important to creation of sedimentary rock
4. Weathering- breaks down rocks into loose material, aka sediments.
5. Erosion- moves the sediment to a location conducive to creation of sedimentary rocks
6. Material cycling- long term loops of every cycle- Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Carbon, and
Sulfur

Phosphorus - major storage is in rocks

The hydrologic cycle is water, driving weathering and erosion processes.
7. Soil Erosion- Human caused or natural
8. Human caused- over-cultivation and loss of plant cover

As seen in Dust Bowl, Grapes of Wrath/Okie style- over-cultivated the Midwest
plains- loss of fertile topsoil.

As seen in deforesting
9. Harmful Effects of Erosion- Loss of fertility and water holding capacity- Nutrient rich
and porous soil particles blow or wash away first (lightest and smallest)
Sediment runoff pollutes water, clogs ditches, channels, lakes, and gills of fishies.
Accelerated erosion can lead to runoff of phosphate/fertilized soil
10. Soil Erosion can be mitigated through a variety of soil conservation methods – know
several.