Question 1

All of the following are characteristics of modern classes of soils EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Paleosols are ancient soils, not a modern class of soils, and their pale color is not a defining characteristic of modern soil classes.

Question 2

In which of the following locations would a rich soil accumulate most quickly?

Accepted Answer

Rich soil accumulates most quickly in a relatively flat topography in a moist, mid-latitude climate due to reduced erosion and optimal conditions for organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about weathering in extraterrestrial environments is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Venus experiences significant mechanical weathering due to its dense atmosphere and high surface temperatures, which can cause rocks to fracture and break apart.

Question 4

The reason that rocks or even footprints on the Moon do not weather is that:

Accepted Answer

The Moon has no atmosphere, which means there is no weather, wind, or water to cause chemical or physical weathering.

Question 5

Stability of silicate minerals follows the inverse of their order of crystallization (Bowen's Series). The correct sequence of stability for the minerals below would be (most stable- first, least stable- last):

Accepted Answer

In Bowen's Reaction Series, minerals that crystallize last are the most stable at the Earth's surface. Quartz crystallizes last and is most stable, followed by mica, pyroxene, and olivine, which crystallizes first and is least stable.

Question 6

All of the following practices help to conserve soil EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Plowing fields can lead to soil erosion and degradation, which does not help in conserving soil.

Question 7

Hydrolysis refers to:

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis is a chemical weathering process where water reacts with a mineral, leading to the displacement of the mineral's ions by the H⁺ or OH⁻ ions from water.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the B horizon is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The B horizon typically lies below the E horizon, not above it.

Question 9

Water performs all of the following functions in chemical weathering EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Freezing in the cracks, facilitating frost wedging, is a physical weathering process, not a chemical one.

Question 10

The most distinctive feature of the E horizon is:

Accepted Answer

The E horizon is characterized by the leaching or eluviation of organic matter and soluble minerals, resulting in a lighter color and a lack of these materials.

Question 11

The type of clay developed from the chemical weathering of a given rock depends primarily on:

Accepted Answer

The type of clay formed is largely influenced by the climatic conditions, as temperature and moisture levels affect the chemical reactions involved in weathering.

Question 12

Weathering by thermal expansion and contraction involves all of the following factors EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Weathering by thermal expansion and contraction involves...

Question 13

Which of the following formulas presents an example of hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis involves the reaction of a compound with water, often resulting in the breakdown of the compound. Option A shows the breakdown of KAlSi3O8 with water and hydrogen ions, which is a hydrolysis reaction.

Question 14

Living organisms influence the rate at which chemical weathering takes place primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Living organisms increase the exposure of rocks and minerals to weathering agents by breaking them down into smaller pieces, creating more surface area for the agents to act on.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the rounding of boulders by chemical weathering is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering does not make the edges and corners less stable; rather, it affects them more because they have more surface area exposed to weathering processes.

Question 16

Nutrient- poor soils are derived from a parent material that resists chemical weathering, such as:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Nutrient- poor soils are derived from a...

Question 17

Which of the following statements about soil horizons is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The E horizon is typically lighter in color due to the leaching of silicate clay, iron, or aluminum, rather than humus, which is organic matter.

Question 18

Which of the following chemical effects is not a consequence of acid rain?

Accepted Answer

Acid rain typically dissolves calcium carbonate rather than causing its precipitation.

Question 19

A mineral's stability, or resistance to chemical change, is primarily a result of:

Accepted Answer

The stability of a mineral is mainly determined by the strength of its chemical bonds, which affects its resistance to chemical change.

Question 20

A metal ore is:

Accepted Answer

A metal ore is defined as a naturally occurring concentration of valuable metals that can be profitably extracted, which distinguishes it from mere concentrations of metals or pure metal bodies.

Quiz 5: Weathering - the Breakdown of Rocks