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Texas Ecoregions

Texas Ecoregions. Effects of Weathering, Erosion and Deposition. Factors Affecting Our Ecoregions. Weathering – chemical and physical break down of rocks into sediment Erosion – the movement of sediment from one place to another

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Texas Ecoregions

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  1. Texas Ecoregions Effects of Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

  2. 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

  3. CHEMICAL WEATHERING • THE PROCESS THAT BREAKS DOWN ROCKS BY CHEMICAL CHANGES OR REACTIONS. • Carbonation • Hydrolysis • Oxidation

  4. PHYSICAL WEATHERING • THE PROCESS THAT BREAKS DOWN ROCKS BY PHYSICAL MEANS • Exfoliation • Ice wedging

  5. 1. Piney Woods • This ecoregion is found in Southeast Texas. • It is the wettest region of the state. This allows for a high rate of decompositionto occur resulting in healthy, nutrient-rich soils. • The topography is gently rolling to near flat through out the region. • Pine trees, woody vines, and hardwood trees dominate the vegetation.

  6. 2. Western Gulf Coastal Plain • Soil in the region is primarily sand-based. • If there isn’t enough vegetation to keep the soil in place, rainfall received can cause severe erosion. • Catastrophic events such as hurricanes can increase wave erosion and deposition.

  7. 3. Blackland Prairie & Post Oak Savannah • These areas have nutrient-rich soils and receive good amounts of rainfall through the year. • If the land is clear-cut of natural vegetation for construction, nutrients can easily be eroded. • If the land is used for farming and it is not managed well, nutrients will be quickly used up.

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

  9. 5. Rolling Plains • This region is part of the Great Plains of the central United States. • Soils in this area are most fertile and sought after for crop production. • Periods of drought and then sudden increase in rainfall causes large amounts of erosion and deplete the soil of nutrients.

  10. 6. Western and Eastern Cross Timbers • This is a small, thin region running North to South on either side of the prairies and plains. • The soil is not as prone to flooding because it allows water to infiltrate very easily. • The region is described as rough, hilly terrain.

  11. 7. Mountain Forest / West Texas • Home of the tallest mountain in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. Elevation is 8,749 feet. • Pines and Oaks dominate the tree species. • Soils are shallow and rocky. Weathering continues to play a role in developing soil and will for thousands of years to come. • Soils in the canyon bottoms and valleys are deeper as a result of deposition.

  12. Summary Chemical weathering– changes mineral composition of rocks. Physical weathering–rocks are broken into smaller pieces.

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