Learning Goals 4 and 6 Test Study Guide
Mr. Gilmore
Learning Goal 4: Weathering and Soil
Definitions: Weathering, Mechanical Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Erosion
Know the difference between Mechanical and Chemical Weathering and be able to identity types of
each.
Know processes of Mechanical Weathering

Exfoliation, Frost Wedging, Abrasion, Root Pry
Know processes of Chemical Weathering

Dissolution, Acid Reactions, Oxidation
Know the role surface area plays in the process of weathering
Definitions: Clay, Silt , Sand, Humus, Permeability, Penetrability
Know the four components of soil (minerals, air, water, and organic material)
Be able to explain the process of soil formation and the factor that cause differences in soil type
Know factors of formation

Parent Material, Climate, Organisms, Slope, Time
Know different soil sizes/textures and how to use the texture triangle

Clay, Silt, and Sand
Know the different soil horizons and characteristics of each horizon
Learning Goal 6: Stratigraphy and Absolute Dating
Definitions: Strata, Stratigraphy, Unconformity
Know the Five Principles of Stratigraphy

Original Horizontality, Superposition, Lateral Continuity, Cross Cutting Relationships, Inclusion
Be able to apply the principles of stratigraphy to determine the relative age of different rock layers.
Definitions: Radioactive Decay, proton, neutron, electron, isotope, half-life
Know the difference between relative and absolute dating
Be able to use information from Tables, Graphs, and Half-life to calculate the age of a given sample.