Texas Ecoregions Effects of Weathering Erosion and Deposition

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Texas Eco-regions Effects of Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Texas Eco-regions Effects of Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Factors Affecting Our Ecoregions Weathering – chemical and physical break down of rocks into

Factors Affecting Our Ecoregions Weathering – chemical and physical break down of rocks into sediment Erosion – the movement of sediment from one place to another Deposition – the placement of sediment after being carried from place of origin

CHEMICAL WEATHERING • THE PROCESS THAT BREAKS DOWN ROCKS BY CHEMICAL CHANGES OR REACTIONS.

CHEMICAL WEATHERING • THE PROCESS THAT BREAKS DOWN ROCKS BY CHEMICAL CHANGES OR REACTIONS.

MECHANICAL WEATHERING • THE PROCESS THAT BREAKS DOWN ROCK PHYSICALLY.

MECHANICAL WEATHERING • THE PROCESS THAT BREAKS DOWN ROCK PHYSICALLY.

EROSION • WHEN PIECES OF ROCK OR SEDIMENT ARE CARRIED AWAY BY WIND, WATER,

EROSION • WHEN PIECES OF ROCK OR SEDIMENT ARE CARRIED AWAY BY WIND, WATER, ICE, OR GRAVITY.

DEPOSITION • WHEN SAND, SEDIMENT, AND ROCK ARE DROPPED OFF IN A NEW LOCATION

DEPOSITION • WHEN SAND, SEDIMENT, AND ROCK ARE DROPPED OFF IN A NEW LOCATION WHEN THE AGENT CARRYING IT LOSES ENERGY AND DEPOSITS IT.

i. Piney Woods 1. This eco-region is found in Northeast Texas. 2. It is

i. Piney Woods 1. This eco-region is found in Northeast Texas. 2. It is the wettest region of the state. This allows for a high rate of decomposition to occur resulting in healthy, nutrientrich soils. 3. The topography is gently rolling to near flat through out the region. 4. Pine trees, woody vines, and hardwood trees dominate the vegetation 5. Unless an area has been clearcut of vegetation for construction, the amount of trees and plants can prevent

ii. Gulf Coastal Prairies & Marshes 1. Found in Southeast Texas, near the coast.

ii. Gulf Coastal Prairies & Marshes 1. Found in Southeast Texas, near the coast. 2. Soil in the region is primarily sand-based. 3. Without adequate vegetation, rainfall received can cause severe erosion. 4. Catastrophic events such as hurricanes can increase wave erosion and deposition.

iii. Edwards Plateau 1. This region is located in Central Texas between dry western

iii. Edwards Plateau 1. This region is located in Central Texas between dry western plains and moist prairies and woods. 2. Unfortunately, excessive erosion has left most of the region with very shallow soils (less than 10 inches) lined with limestone rock layers. 3. High amounts of rain in a short amount of time can cause flash flooding.

iv. High Plains 1. “Texas Panhandle” 2. Largest and most completely flat areas of

iv. High Plains 1. “Texas Panhandle” 2. Largest and most completely flat areas of its size in the world! 3. The region extends to the Palo Duro Canyon-the nation’s 2 nd largest canyon. 4. Palo Duro Canyon was formed by water erosion from the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. 5. The water deepens the canyon by moving sediment downstream. 6. Wind and water erosion continue to gradually widen the canyon.

v. Trans-Pecos 1. “Desert portion” of far West Texas. 2. Rain does not fall

v. Trans-Pecos 1. “Desert portion” of far West Texas. 2. Rain does not fall evenly over the area. 3. As a result of little rain and little vegetation, a lot of erosion and deposition is common in the area. 4. Soils in the canyon bottoms and valleys are deeper as a result of deposition.