What physical and chemical processes produce the large scale vertical temperature variations in the atmosphere. The earth is considered to be in radiative balance. Discuss the importance of water vapor, clouds, CO2 on the earth's radiation balance. Describe the two main processes by which bedrock weathers to form sediment. Rain water and soil moisture are commonly naturally acidic.
Clay minerals are important environmental minerals.
Describe the compositional changes that occur as polluted water percolates through a clay-bearing soil. Describe the processes that control the rate and direction of migration of contaminated ground water through an aquifer.