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the process by which rock materials are broken down by the action of physical and chemical processes
weathering
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the breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means
mechanical weathering
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the grinding and wearing away of rock surfaces through the mechanical action of other rock or sand particles
abrasion
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the process by which rocks break down as a result of chemical reactions
chemical weathering
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rain, sleet, or snow, that contains a high concentration of acids
acid precipitation
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the process by which softer, less weather resistant rocks wear away and leave harder, more weather resistant rocks behind
differential weathering
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a loose mixture of rock fragments, organic material, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation
soil
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a rock formation that is the source of soil
parent rock
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the layer of rock beneath soil
bedrock
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the soil quality that is based on the proportions of soil particles
soil texture
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the arrangement of soil particles
soil structure
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the dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals
humus
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the removal of substances that can be dissolved from rock, ore, or layers of soil due to the passing of water
leaching
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a method to maintain the fertility of the soil by protecting the soil from erosion and nutrient loss
soil conservation
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the process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transport soil and sediment from one location to another
erosion
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