Question 1

Weathering is the:&#10;A) formation of larger landforms through natural processes&#10;B) deposition of rocks and mineral particles&#10;C) breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles&#10;D) transportation of rocks and minerals

Accepted Answer

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles. This can occur through mechanical or chemical means and is an important part of the rock cycle.

Question 2

Chemical weathering is more active in ____climates.&#10;A) cold, dry&#10;B) cold, wet&#10;C) warm, wet&#10;D) warm, dry

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering involves the chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals, which is facilitated by water. Warm, wet climates typically have more water and moisture, which makes chemical weathering more active. Cold climates, both dry and wet, typically have less water and moisture, and are thus less conducive to chemical weathering.

Question 3

Freeze-thaw mechanical weathering can occur year-round in ____ environments.&#10;A) arid&#10;B) high altitudes, such as mountain&#10;C) desert&#10;D) coastal

Accepted Answer

Freeze-thaw mechanical weathering occurs when water in cracks of rocks freezes and expands, causing the rock to break apart. This process is most common in areas with frequent temperature changes, such as high altitudes where temperatures can fluctuate greatly between day and night. Arid environments lack the necessary moisture for this process, while deserts and coastal areas may not experience the temperature variations needed for freeze-thaw weathering.

Question 4

Exfoliation is a type of mechanical weathering that occurs on:&#10;A) granitic rocks&#10;B) sedimentary rocks&#10;C) layered rocks&#10;D) metamorphic rocks

Accepted Answer

Exfoliation is a specific type of mechanical weathering that primarily affects granitic rocks. This process involves the peeling away of layers from large boulders or outcrops, often due to the reduction in pressure as overlying materials are removed, allowing the rock to expand and fracture along sheet-like surfaces.

Question 5

What type of weathering is associated with the freezing of water in the joints of rocks?&#10;A) mechanical weathering&#10;B) chemical weathering&#10;C) biological weathering&#10;D) all of the above&#10;E) none of the above

Accepted Answer

Freezing water in the joints of rocks causes the water to expand and apply pressure on the surrounding rock, causing the rock to break apart mechanically. Therefore, this type of weathering is known as mechanical weathering.

Question 6

Fragments that accumulate near their original location can form:&#10;A) ice sheets&#10;B) blockfields&#10;C) talus&#10;D) both (b) and (c)

Accepted Answer

Fragments that accumulate near their original location can form either blockfields (rocky areas where rocks have fallen and accumulated) or talus (accumulations of rocks at the base of a steep slope or cliff). Ice sheets are not related to rock fragments.

Question 7

What is weathering's role in the rock cycle?&#10;A) it transports sediments&#10;B) it breaks down rocks into sediments&#10;C) it solidifies sediments into sedimentary rocks&#10;D) it metamorphoses, or changes, rocks

Accepted Answer

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller sediments. This is the first step in the formation of sedimentary rocks in the rock cycle.

Question 8

Which of these is NOT a form of mechanical weathering?&#10;A) oxidation&#10;B) exfoliation&#10;C) thermal expansion&#10;D) frost action

Accepted Answer

Oxidation is a chemical weathering process, not a mechanical one. Exfoliation, thermal expansion, and frost action are all examples of mechanical weathering.

Question 9

The growth of _____ crystals in arid regions has similar effects on rocks as do frost action in cold regions.&#10;A) snow&#10;B) quartz&#10;C) salt&#10;D) ice

Accepted Answer

The growth of salt crystals in arid regions can cause similar effects on rocks as frost action in cold regions. As saltwater evaporates, it leaves behind salt deposits which can grow into crystals. As these crystals grow, they can exert physical pressure on the rocks around them, causing them to break and become weathered. This process is similar to the way that ice crystals can cause weathering in cold regions.

Question 10

Of the minerals listed, which is the most resistant to chemical weathering?&#10;A) calcium carbonates in limestone&#10;B) feldspars&#10;C) hornblende&#10;D) quartz

Accepted Answer

Quartz is the most resistant to chemical weathering because it is a very hard mineral and is chemically inert, meaning it does not react easily with other chemicals or elements.

Question 11

Most chemical weathering involves:&#10;A) carbon dioxide&#10;B) water&#10;C) salts&#10;D) air or oxidation

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most chemical weathering involves:&#10;A) carbon dioxide&#10;B) water&#10;C)...

Question 12

The formation of underground caverns occurs through the ____ process.&#10;A) carbonation&#10;B) oxidation&#10;C) hydroxation&#10;D) soil emulsification

Accepted Answer

The answer of The formation of underground caverns occurs through...

Question 13

Most intense chemical weathering occurs in _____.&#10;A) cold areas&#10;B) arid areas&#10;C) along coasts&#10;D) humid, tropical areas

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most intense chemical weathering occurs in _____.&#10;A)...

Question 14

When iron-bearing silicate minerals are broken down by weathering, the iron through oxidation produces a:&#10;A) dark brown or black colored rock or soil&#10;B) light gray colored rock&#10;C) reddish-brown or orange colored rock&#10;D) white or silvery rock

Accepted Answer

The answer of When iron-bearing silicate minerals are broken down...

Deck 36: Weathering Processes