Chapter 2 Information Sheet

Important Vocabulary: mineral, crystal, igneous rock, sedimentary rock,

metamorphic rock, nonrenewable resource, weathering, erosion, uniformitarianism, oxidation, soil, natural resource, fertility, soil horizon, acidic, litter, decomposer, soil conservation, Dust Bowl

Important Concepts:
1. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids. They usually have a crystalline shape and each type has a unique chemical composition. (p49) 2. The 3 types of rocks are: igneous (cooled molten material), sedimentary (hardened layers of sediment), and metamorphic (transformed by heat and pressure). The rock cycle changes rocks from one type to another. (p50-52) 3. Minerals and rocks are considered nonrenewable because they take so long to form. Rocks are used for building and industry. Some rocks contain ore that can be used to make metals by a process called smelting. (p53-54) 4. Weathering describes ways rocks break down. Erosion is the movement of these sediments. Uniformitarianism states these processes have been happening for a long time. The type of rock and the climate determine rates of weathering. (p57, 62-63) 5. Mechanical weathering when rock is physically broken into smaller pieces. Freezing, thawing, release of pressure, plant growth, animal action, and abrasion can all cause mechanical weathering. (p58-59) 6. Chemical weathering when chemical changes cause rocks to break down. Water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, living organisms, and acid rain can all cause chemical weathering (60-61) 7. Soil is a mixture of loose, weathered material on the Earths surface where plants can grow. Soil varies in composition and texture. Soil forms in layers called horizons. (p66-68) 8. Living organisms interact with soil by creating litter and making humus. They also mix the soil and make paces for air and water. (p70-72) 9. Soil is a nonrenewable resource because it talks a long time to form. Topsoil can be lost due to erosion. When soil loses its fertility it is said to be exhausted. Better farming practices and soil conservation can help us avoid another Dust Bowl. (p74-77) Practice Due Test Due: