In the natural world, enviroments are characterized by:Types of soilPrecipitationTemperatureLand featuresVegetationAnimal wildlife

We have:Analyzed the characteristics of the ecoregions of Texas

Investigated processes that change the surface of the Earth

Explored how the process of weathering, erosion, and deposition have affected the environments in Texas ecoregion.

ENCHANTED ROCK LOCATED IN CENTRAL TEXAS WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Exfoliation – mechanical weathering has caused the rock to “peel” in sheets. This was caused by contracting and expanding during heating and cooling in the temperatureMechanical or chemical weathering? What station?

The weathering of sedimentary rock has exposed the granite dome underneath

Other types of mechanical weathering present – plant roots

RAINWATER MIXES WITH CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND SOILS TO FORM CARBONIC ACID (H2CO3), WHICH ACTS TO DISSOLVE AWAY LIMESTONE.

Georgetown-

Inner Space Cavern

One of the windiest regions in the US

Low vegetation, so high wind erosion

Palo Duro Canyon was formed by water erosion by a fork in Red River that continues to become deeper

Which station activity most closely models the formation of Palo Duro Canyon?

Davis Mountains – formed from volcanic activity

Guadalupe Mountains – formed by fossilized coral reef

Big Bend– erosion from water flow from the Red River

Big Bend– Ancient swamp, current desert

Big Bend - the warm red and brown colors of igneous rocks show oxidation, oxygen reacting with iron forming rust

Big Bend– limestone cliff eroded by carbonic acid

Water droplets capture carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid

Which station models this erosion of the limestone cliffs?

Due to ample precipitation and abundant vegetation that holds the soil in place, there is very little erosion

Thick vegetation near rivers inhibits river erosion.

Which station activity most closely models seasonal flooding?

Wave action, a cause of weathering, erosion and deposition, is constant along the Texas Coastline.

Sediments are weathered and eroded along beaches and carried out into the ocean to form sand bars and islands

Galveston Beach

Mustang Island was formed by erosion and deposition

Sand dunes in Padre Island

When rivers, like the Brazos enter the Gulf of Mexico sediment being carried by the river stop moving and get deposit causing a delta.

Before Katrina

After Katrina

After Katrina

Which station activity most closely models the effects of a hurricane on the Gulf Coast? Justify your answer.