Deck 13: Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement

Question 1

Because the climate of a region slowly changes and tectonic adjustments slowly occur,the landscape

A)is constantly at a threshold condition.
B)is continuously adjusting to new conditions that develop.
C)is usually in a state of stable equilibrium.
D)is constantly at a threshold,continuously adjusting,and in a state of dynamic equilibrium.
E)is continuously adjusting,and in a state of dynamic equilibrium,but not constantly at a threshold.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

The process that breaks down rock at the Earth's surface through disintegration of rocks into mineral particles or dissolving it into water is known as

A)erosion.
B)mass movement.
C)landmass denudation.
D)deposition.
E)weathering.

Answer 2

E

Question 3

The concave lower portion of a typical slope is called a

A)waning slope.
B)waxing slope.
C)debris slope.
D)free face.
E)pediment.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

The maximum incline at which sediments on a slope can remain at rest before pulled downward by gravity is known as the

A)catchment.
B)angle of repose.
C)free face.
D)regolith.
E)slope.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a denudation process?

A)chemical weathering
B)erosion
C)orogeny
D)mass movement
E)physical weathering

Question 6

Inclined surfaces that form the boundaries of landforms are known as

A)catchments.
B)slopes.
C)free face.
D)regoliths.
E)viewsheds.

Question 7

A slope is if its strength exceed denudation processes and if its materials are weaker than denudation processes.

A)stable;unstable
B)unstable;stable
C)in equilibrium;in disequilibrium
D)in disequilibrium;in equilibrium
E)inertial;gravitational

Question 8

Which of the following is not exogenic in nature?

A)weathering
B)erosion
C)denudation
D)tectonic uplift
E)mass movement

Question 9

The science that specifically studies the origin,evolution,form,and spatial distribution of landforms is

A)geology.
B)geography.
C)geomorphology.
D)environmental chemistry.
E)hydrology.

Question 10

The angle of repose represent a balance between the driving force and resisting force.Which of the following is the driving force?

A)friction
B)shear
C)gravity
D)inertia
E)cohesion

Question 11

The uplift of mountains is caused by

A)endogenic processes.
B)aggradation.
C)denudation.
D)exogenic forces.
E)mass movement.

Question 12

All processes that cause reduction and rearrangement of landforms are included in the term

A)mass movement.
B)erosion.
C)weathering.
D)denudation.
E)evisceration.

Question 13

The dynamic equilibrium model refers to

A)a balancing act between tectonic uplift and rates of denudation by weathering and erosion in a given landscape.
B)a hypothesis involving the cyclic or evolutionary development of a landscape.
C)a sequential development of landforms.
D)the idea that landscapes show great variations over time,but the forces of denudation and orogeny always balance.
E)a hypothesis suggestion that landscapes form from catastrophic events followed by long periods of stability.

Question 14

After a threshold is crossed,the landscape

A)remains unstable thereafter.
B)adjusts to a new equilibrium condition.
C)looks identical to the landscape that existed prior to the crossing of the threshold.
D)returns to the conditions that existed prior to the crossing the threshold.
E)is stable as before because landscapes do not cross thresholds.

Question 15

The principle that landscape formation is balance between endogenic and exogenic processes is called

A)the dynamic equilibrium model.
B)uniformitarianism.
C)catastrophism.
D)steady state theory.
E)tipping point model.

Question 16

If material is to move downslope,it must overcome the force of

A)friction.
B)the cohesion of particles to each other.
C)inertial resistance of the material.
D)both friction and inertial resistance.
E)friction,cohesion of particles,and inertial resistance.

Question 17

Landscape formation is a balancing act between tectonic uplift and denudation.This figure depicts which of the following?

A)steady-state equilibrium
B)dynamic equilibrium
C)dynamic equilibrium with threshold
D)denudation,only
E)tectonic uplift,only

Question 18

The convex upper portion of a typical slope is called a

A)waning slope.
B)debris slope.
C)waxing slope.
D)free face.
E)capstone.

Question 19

is a steep scarp or cliff whose presence indicates an outcrop of resistant rock.

A)Waning slope
B)Waxing slope
C)Debris slope
D)Free face
E)Regolith

Question 20

Landscape formation is a balancing act between tectonic uplift and denudation.This figure depicts which of the following?

A)steady-state equilibrium
B)dynamic equilibrium
C)dynamic equilibrium with threshold
D)denudation,only
E)tectonic uplift,only

Question 21

occurs as rock surfaces heated by the Sun during the day expand slightly,and then contract with nighttime cooling.

A)Exfoliation
B)Thermal expansion
C)Frost wedging
D)Salt-crystal growth
E)Hydrolysis

Question 22

Factors influencing the weathering process include

A)the climate of an area only.
B)rock composition and structure only.
C)organic processes only.
D)subsurface water only.
E)rock composition and structure,climate,organic processes,and subsurface water.

Question 23

The fact that water expands as much as 9% of its volume as it freezes is the basis of

A)oxidization.
B)exfoliation.
C)salt crystal growth.
D)frost wedging.
E)hydrolysis

Question 24

Exfoliation occurs because

A)water combines with minerals and increases their size,thereby causing surrounding minerals to expand.
B)water freezes in joints and expands.
C)overlying rock is removed,thereby allowing the underlying rock mass to expand and fracture.
D)evaporated water leaves behind previously dissolved mineral to form crystals,which accumulate and grow over time,exerting pressure on the rock.
E)rock minerals react with carbonic acids in rain,causing weathering to occur.

Question 25

When pressure is removed from overlying rock,the pressure of deep burial is relieved,initiating pressure-release jointing.The joints then separate into curved slabs.This is known as

A)exfoliation.
B)frost wedging.
C)salt crystal growth.
D)spheroidal weathering.
E)crystallization.

Question 26

The consolidated or unconsolidated materials from which soils develop is known as

A)joints.
B)regolith.
C)parent material.
D)outcrop.
E)free face.

Question 27

Frost wedging is an example of weathering processes.

A)only chemical
B)only physical
C)only biological
D)both biological and chemical
E)both biological and physical

Question 28

Chemical weathering that softens and rounds the sharp edges and corners of jointed rock is known as

A)spheroidal weathering.
B)exfoliation.
C)hydration.
D)hydrolysis.
E)thermal expansion.

Question 29

In which climates would rocks experience the highest amounts of chemical decomposition and decay?

A)cold and wet
B)cold and dry
C)hot and wet
D)hot and dry
E)cool and moist

Question 30

Which of the following is not a type of physical weathering process?

A)exfoliation
B)hydrolysis
C)salt crystal growth
D)frost wedging
E)thermal expansion

Question 31

Chemical weathering is greatest under conditions of

A)higher rainfall and temperatures.
B)lower rainfall and temperatures.
C)higher rainfall,but lower temperatures.
D)lower rainfall,but higher temperatures.
E)near absence of rainfall,but higher temperatures.

Question 32

When rock is broken down and disintegrated without any chemical alterations,the process in operation is

A)physical weathering.
B)chemical weathering.
C)hydrolysis.
D)carbonation.
E)erosion.

Question 33

Exfoliation is most common in

A)foliated metamorphic rocks.
B)sedimentary rocks high in CaCO3.
C)mafic extrusive igneous rocks.
D)clastic sedimentary rocks.
E)high silica intrusive igneous rocks.

Question 34

When rock is broken down and disintegrated in the presence of water and with chemical alterations to the rock,the process in operation is

A)physical weathering.
B)chemical weathering.
C)mass movement.
D)scarification.
E)biological weathering.

Question 35

Other than the rock itself,the most important chemical substance needed for the majority of weathering processes is

A)oxygen.
B)nitrogen.
C)water.
D)carbon dioxide.
E)potassium.

Question 36

Salt-crystal growth (salt weathering)is prevalent in which climate type?

A)mesothermal
B)tropical
C)arid
D)polar
E)microthermal

Question 37

The weathering process responsible for breaking this granite slab is likely

A)exfoliation.
B)carbonation.
C)frost wedging.
D)salt-crystal growth.
E)hydrolysis.

Question 38

Tafoni,or honeycomb weathering,in sandstone along the Pacific Coast in Salt Point State Park,California Pitted rock surfaces known as tafoni,or honeycomb weathering,result from weathering.

A)exfoliation
B)carbonation
C)frost wedging
D)salt-crystal growth
E)thermal expansion

Question 39

When the upper surface of consolidated rock undergoes constant weathering,it creates broken-up rock called

A)bedrock.
B)regolith.
C)parent material.
D)outcrop.
E)angle of repose.

Question 40

Salt-crystal growth (salt weathering)is an example of weathering processes.

A)only chemical
B)only physical
C)only biological
D)both biological and physical
E)both biological and chemical

Question 41

The downslope movement of a body of material made up of soil,sediment,or rock propelled by the force of gravity is known as

A)lahar.
B)downslope flow.
C)mass movement.
D)slide.
E)weathering.

Question 42

A sinkhole that develops over a period of hours or days and forms from a collapse through the roof of an underground cavern is known as a

A)solution sinkhole.
B)collapse sinkhole.
C)doline.
D)karst valley.
E)karst tower.

Question 43

These rounded granite outcrops are the result of which weathering process?

A)oxidation
B)hydration
C)spheroidal weathering
D)carbonation
E)thermal expansion

Question 44

Extensive landscapes formed by the dissolution of limestone and other carbonate rock and characterized by pitted,bumpy surface topography,poor surface drainage,and well developed solutions channels are known as

A)plains.
B)basins.
C)karst topography.
D)high tablelands.
E)badlands.

Question 45

Continuing dissolution and collapse may lead the coalescing of sinkholes to form a

A)disappearing stream.
B)rise.
C)doline.
D)drip curtain.
E)karst valley.

Question 46

The weathering of limestone can create circular depressions known as

A)uvalas.
B)stalactites.
C)sinkholes.
D)caverns.
E)disappearing streams.

Question 47

When rainwater attacks formations of limestone,the minerals dissolve and wash away with the mildly acid rainwater.This is an example of

A)oxidation.
B)crystallization.
C)frost action.
D)carbonation.
E)hydration.

Question 48

Cones and cockpit karst develop in

A)cold,midlatitude climates.
B)arid regions.
C)wet tropical areas.
D)polar regions.
E)Mediterranean climates.

Question 49

Which of the following are examples of dripstones?

A)stalactites
B)sinkholes
C)disappearing streams
D)caverns
E)rockfall

Question 50

Hydrolysis involves

A)the chemical reaction of water.
B)the addition of water with little chemical change.
C)frost action.
D)salt crystal growth from evaporation.
E)pressure-release jointing.

Question 51

The scientific study of caves is known as

A)dendrochronology.
B)glaciology.
C)speleology.
D)volcanology.
E)physiography.

Question 52

Rocks of the same composition and structure found in the same area may have weathered at uneven rates due to a variety of factors.This is known as

A)angle of repose.
B)jointing.
C)inertial resistance.
D)denudation.
E)differential weathering.

Question 53

Carbonation,in terms of chemical weathering,occurs when

A)carbon dioxide combines with hydrogen to form hydrocarbons that can weather rock and other materials.
B)carbon dioxide gas in water is dissolved under high pressure.
C)water vapor dissolves carbon dioxide,yielding precipitation that contains carbonic acid.
D)carbon dioxide interacts with calcium hydroxide and hydrates calcium silicates.
E)any chemical reaction involving carbon dioxide occurs in the soil.

Question 54

Hydration involves

A)the chemical reaction of water.
B)the addition of water with little chemical change.
C)frost action.
D)salt crystal growth from evaporation.
E)pressure-release jointing.

Question 55

Any large cave formed by chemical processes is a

A)cavern.
B)doline.
C)karst valley.
D)collapse sinkhole.
E)stalagmite.

Question 56

The yellow-red stains that occur on some rock surfaces are the result of which is a form of weathering.

A)hydration;physical
B)hydration;chemical
C)solution;chemical
D)oxidation;physical
E)oxidation;chemical

Question 57

Plants are important to the development of karst primarily because

A)openings adjacent to their roots serve as microchannels that allow water to enter the rock.
B)the decay of large roots below the surface produces cavities which eventually enlarge to form caves.
C)they supply organic acids that enhance the dissolution process.
D)they provide the calcium carbonate necessary for karst topography to form.
E)they lessen the impact of raindrops on the surface so the water can more rapidly flow into stream channels.

Question 58

Rust,formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water,is an example of

A)hydration.
B)frost wedging.
C)carbonation.
D)oxidation.
E)hydrolysis.

Question 59

may form at the bottom of cockpits and may even be an important cause of cockpit karst topography.

A)River floodplains
B)Sinkholes
C)Stalactites
D)Grabens
E)Dripstones

Question 60

Which of the following is not necessary for well-developed karst to develop?

A)high proportion of calcium carbonate in the rock
B)joints in rock of otherwise low permeability
C)vegetation
D)arid conditions
E)a zone of air between the ground surface and water table

Question 61

Which of the following can lead to the slope failure that causes mass movement?

A)saturation from rainfall only
B)oversteepening of the slope only
C)earthquakes only
D)volcanic eruptions only
E)saturation,oversteepening of slopes,earthquakes,and volcanic eruptions.

Question 62

On May 5,2014,700 homes in northeastern Afghanistan were buried causing hundreds of fatalities after prolonged rainfall on fine-grained soils led to a

A)solifluction.
B)creep.
C)scarification.
D)rockfall.
E)landslide.

Question 63

A slow persistent mass movement of surface soil is called

A)a debris avalanche.
B)soil creep.
C)a soil slide.
D)a rockfall.
E)slump.

Question 64

A rotational slide (slump)involves

A)movement of surface material along a concave surface.
B)movement of surface material along a planar surface.
C)unconsolidated flow of material.
D)a slurry of unconsolidated materials moving downslope.
E)detachment and rapid downward movement of a volume by gravity.

Question 65

The photograph is an example of a

A)talus slope.
B)debris avalanche.
C)mudflow.
D)landslide.
E)creep.

Question 66

In polar and alpine regions,thawing and saturation of the upper layer of soil,resulting in a slow downslope movement called

A)transitional slide.
B)mudflow.
C)solifluction.
D)lahar.
E)slump.

Question 67

Which of the following is not a class of mass movement?

A)fall
B)slide
C)slip
D)flow
E)creep

Question 68

Human-induced mass movements produce a category of processes known as

A)debris flows.
B)denudation.
C)scarification.
D)translational slides.
E)lahar.

Question 69

The mass movement process responsible of the curved growing pattern in the trees and the downslope leaning of the utility posts and fences is

A)debris avalanche.
B)soil creep.
C)landslide.
D)rockfall.
E)slump.

Question 70

The type of mass movement in which material moves in a unit along a zone of weakness is

A)fall.
B)flow.
C)scarification.
D)weathering.
E)slides.

Question 71

Which of the following human activities can contribute to mass movement?

A)a road cut only
B)surface mining only
C)residential development only
D)commercial development only
E)any human disturbance of a slope,including road cuts,surface mining,and development

Question 72

Discuss the dynamic equilibrium model and the concept of geomorphic threshold.

Question 73

A translational slide involves

A)movement of surface material along a concave surface.
B)movement of surface material along a planar surface.
C)unconsolidated flow of material.
D)a slurry of unconsolidated materials moving downslope.
E)detachment and rapid downward movement of a volume by gravity.

Question 74

Describe the forces acting on a slope,and also the various physical aspects of a slope,such as waxing slope and debris slope.

Question 75

The presence of talus slopes indicates the occurrence of

A)planar slides.
B)mudflow.
C)creep.
D)rockfall.
E)slump.

Question 76

Flows involve

A)movement of surface material along a concave surface.
B)movement of surface material along a planar surface.
C)unconsolidated flow of material.
D)a slurry of unconsolidated materials moving downslope.
E)detachment and rapid downward movement of a volume by gravity.

Question 77

The Bingham Canyon Mine outside Salt Lake City,Utah,2014 The photograph shows an example of which mass movement process?

A)debris flows
B)creep
C)landslide
D)scarification
E)solifluction

Question 78

A is a type of debris flow associated with volcanic activity.

A)slump
B)creep
C)rockfall
D)landslide
E)lahar

Question 79

A mass of falling and tumbling rock,debris,and soil traveling at a high velocity owing to the presence of ice or water is a

A)rockfall.
B)mudflow.
C)debris avalanche.
D)landslide.
E)lahar.

Question 80

A is a mixture of water and loosely consolidated sediment,such as gravels,boulders,and coarse rock fragments,moving downslope.

A)debris flow
B)creep
C)rockfall
D)landslide
E)slump