Transformation of sediments into rock through compaction and cementation.

Naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a definite crystalline structure that forms from magma or from supersaturated solution.

Continuous, dynamic set of processes by which rocks are changed into other types of rocks.

Loose covering of weathered rock and decayed organic matter overlying Earth's bedrock that is characterized by texture, fertility, and color and whose composition is determined by its parent rock and environmental conditions.

Process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces but does not involve any change in their composition.

Breaking down rocks through physical processes like freezing and thawing

A type of erosion caused by wearing or scraping away by sand grains or other particles striking other sand grains and rocks, breaking off small fragments. The particles can be transported by wind, water, ice or gravity.

The process by which the outer layers of rocks are stripped away - an example of mechanical/physical weathering.

The repeated freezing and thawing of water in the cracks of rocks - an example of mechanical/physical weathering.

Process by which rocks and minerals undergo changes in their composition due to chemical reactions with agents such as acids, water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

The reaction of water with other substances - a type of chemical weathering

The chemical reaction of oxygen with other substances - an example of chemical weathering

Carbon dioxide reacts with certain types of rocks forming a solution that can easily be carried away by water.

A type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together

Chemical or physical process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces

Processes by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away (i.e. weathering, glaciation)

Process in which sediment is laid down in new locations.

the process by which sediments are pressed together under their own weight

The process by which dissolved minerals crystalize and glue particles of sediment together into one mass.

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface

The process by which water changes from liquid form to an atmospheric gas

Sedimentary rock that forms when fragments of preexisting rocks are compacted or cemented together.

Sedimentary rock that forms from the remains of plants or animals.

Sedimentary rock that forms when minerals precipitate from a solution or settle from a suspension.

the arrangement of layers of sedimentary rock

Small waves of sand that develop on the surface of a sediment layer by the action of moving water or air.

A type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten rock at or below the surface

Igneous rock that formed below Earth's surface

Rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of lava at earth's surface

any igneous rock with large crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals

Rocks that cool so fast that pockets of air are trapped inside. Appear to contain air holes and are usually lightweight.

Describes magma or igneous rock that is rich in feldspar and silica and that is generally light in color.

describes magma or igneous rock that is rich in magnesium and iron and that is generally dark in color

A type of rock that forms from an existing rock that is changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.

A change in the texture, structure, or chemical composition of a rock due to contact with magma.

A change in the texture, structure, or chemical composition of a rock due to changes in temperature and pressure over a large area, generally as a result of tectonic forces.

An arrangement of minerals in flat or wavy parallel bands.

a rock formation that is the source of soil, The original type of rock before it was changed.

Mechanical energy that can be put into motion because of its position.

Energy stored by objects due to their position above Earth's surface.

As a soil separate, individual rock or mineral fragments from 0.05 millimeter to 2.0 millimeters in diameter. Most sand grains consist of quartz.

A grainy material with grain size between sand and clay. It is weathered from soil or rock

What soil particle is the smallest?

Fragmental rock material at and just below Earth's surface.

The solid layer of rock beneath the soil.

rich, dark organic material formed by decay of vegetable matter, essential to soil's fertility

Cross-sectional view of the horizons in a soil.

The layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layers above or below it.

A red, highly leached soil type found in the tropics that is rich in oxides of iron and aluminum

a temperate climate soil that is rich in clay and iron usually found in eastern united states

soil characterized by an accumulation of calcium carbonate in the upper horizons; Soil usually found in western United States in areas the have grasses and brush vegetation

an event that occurs when a large amount of rock, sediment, plant material, and water flows down a mountain