Earth's Materials

The exposure and breaking down of rocks in situ at the Earth’s surface over geological time due to interaction with the atmosphere.

The movement of rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity from the place where they were originally weathered.

The breaking down of rock fragments into smaller pieces and sediments due to collision with other rock fragments during transportation.

The settling out of rock fragments and sediments after transportation by water, wind, ice or gravity.

Rock that forms through the cooling of molten rock (magma) to a solid form in the upper crust or on the surface of the Earth.

Rock that is formed from weathered rock fragments and sediments that have been eroded, transported, deposited, compacted and cemented.

Rock that has been subjected to heat and/or pressure, permanently altering the minerals or internal structure.

A solid mass made of one or more minerals.

An element or chemical compound formed as a result of rock cycle processes.

A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably.

A measure of a rock’s ability to hold fluid.

A measure of the amount of water allowed to pass through a rock.

The process of turning from liquid into vapour or gas.

The process of a vapour or gas turning into a liquid.

Moisture that falls from the air to the ground (rain, snow, sleet, hail, drizzle, fog, mist).

The evaporation of water from plants’ leaves, stems or flowers.

The precipitation that flows across the surface of the ground.

The physical movement of water through soil (relative to the soil’s porosity and permeability).

The movement of water through soil by gravity and capillary forces.

The horizontal flow of water within soil.

Water that occupies pore spaces in soil and bedrock.

The movement of groundwater horizontally.

The mass of living or recently living plants or animals.

Combustible biomass or fuels derived from biomass.