Landscape Elements, Weathering, and Sedimentary Rocks

Landscape Composition

The landscape includes:

• Landforms
• Weather
• Human presence
• Flora and fauna (density and type)
• Land area
• Spectator's viewpoint
• Subjective aspects

Relief forms result from geological agents:

• Rivers: fluvial molding, wild water, pouring
• Groundwater: karst formations
• Sea waves: coastal formations
• Wind: aeolian landforms

Solar Energy Influence

Solar energy is unevenly distributed, creating:

• Atmospheric and oceanic currents
• Different climates
• Water cycle activation
• Geological agent activity
• Ecosystem functioning

Storms form where cold and hot/humid air converge.

Climate and Atmosphere

Climate determines effective geological agents and dominant weather patterns.

Meteorology studies atmospheric phenomena (precipitation, wind), represented on weather maps.

Topography and Topographic Maps

Relief is shown by contour lines on topographic maps used for:

• Guidance
• Public works projects
• Planning
• Area calculation
• Resource protection

Maps indicate the scale (reduction of reality). Relief can also be shown by 3D drawings, models, and profiles.

Weathering Processes

Weathering is the destruction and shredding of exposed rocks caused by:

• Humidity (mineral dissolution)
• Oxygen (mineral oxidation)
• Temperature changes (expansion/contraction)
• Water freezing in cracks
• Living organisms (root wedging)

Types of Weathering

• Chemical (causes changes)
• Mechanical (causes breakage/wear)
• Biological (combination of chemical and mechanical by living organisms)

Sedimentary Rocks

Lithification and diagenesis transform sediment into rock through compaction and cementation, forming sequences:

• Detrital rocks: clay, sandstone, conglomerate
• Evaporitic rocks: salt, gypsum
• Carbonate rocks: limestone, marl
• Organic rocks: coal, oil