MST Lesson5 Geologic Processes Midterm
MST Lesson5 Geologic Processes Midterm
Processes
Geological Processes
• These are events that occur on geological timescale ranging
between million of centuries, hundreds of meters, and
thousands of kilometers.
• It describes the natural forces that shape the physical
makeup of a planet.
• Plate tectonics, erosion, chemical weathering and
sedimentation are all examples of forces that significantly
affect the Earth’s surface and account for its major features.
Earthquakes and Volcanism
• Hydrolysis occurs, for example, when water comes in contact with granite.
Feldspar crystals inside the granite react chemically, forming clay minerals. The
clay weakens the rock, making it more likely to break.
• One common acid is carbonic acid, a weak acid that is produced when carbon
dioxide reacts with water. Carbonation is an important process in the formation of
many caves and sinkholes. Calcite in limestone dissolves under acidic conditions,
leaving open spaces.
• Living organisms such as lichens can have a profound effect on rock. Plant roots
are also an important source of chemical weathering. Animals can also effect
geochemistry. Human activities also have a major impact on rock ex. mining.
EROSION
• Process by which earth’s surface is worn away by wind,
water, or ice
• Moves rock debris or soil from one place to another
• Takes place when there is rainfall, surface runoff, flowing
rivers, seawater intrusion, flooding, freeing and thawing,
hurricanes, wind, etc.
• Movement of land animals during migration or stampede
• Human activities: deforestation, overgrazing and mining
Illinois Severe Erosion