Earth Science for STEM - Weathering Basics

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes weathering?

The process by which rocks are chemically strengthened due to exposure to heat and pressure

The mechanical or chemical process by which rocks are broken down (correct)

The process by which rocks are exposed to severe weather

The process by which rocks are formed by heat and pressure

How does gravity contribute to weathering?

by abrasion of the rocks (correct)

by expansion of rocks

by dissolving rocks' particles

by creating holes in rocks

Which of the following is NOT an example of physical weathering?

Abrasion due to the movement of glaciers

Wind blowing sand onto a rock

Freeze-thaw

Plant that grows on the cracks of the rocks (correct)

What happens to pieces of rock as they are transported by a river?

they get smaller and rounder Signup and view all the answers

In hydration, water is an active agent of chemical weathering. What happens when water loosely combines with the minerals of the rock?

weakens the molecular binding of the minerals Signup and view all the answers

What are the two things that affect the rate of weathering?

type of rock and climate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes chemical weathering?

The process by which rocks are broken down by chemical means Signup and view all the answers

Weak organic acids are produced by the action of the growing roots of lichens. These acids react with some minerals in rocks resulting in the decomposition of rocks. How will you classify this process?

Biological weathering through chemical compounds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions promotes slow chemical weathering?

cold temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements are TRUE about mechanical weathering?

moss growing on the wall fence creates crack on the walls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities has resulted in an increased rate of chemical weathering through acidification?

The release of too much carbon dioxide in the air that turn rain into weak acid Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT included in the group?

abrasion Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following climates will chemical weathering be most rapid?

hot and humid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following DO NOT describe weathering?

The process by which rocks are chemically strengthened due to exposure to heat and pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of biological weathering?

Plant that grows on the cracks of the rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rocks tends to weather more rapidly through the hydrolysis process?

Rocks that contain feldspar. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of oxidation?

Rust decomposes rocks completely with passage of time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Science for STEM - Quarter 2 - Module 1: Weathering

Weathering is a process that degrades or breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, known as sediments. It occurs via mechanical or chemical reactions that happen on the surface of rocks or inside them.
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that the government of the Philippines holds no copyright over any work, but prior approval from the agency where the work was created is required for any profit-making exploitation of such work.
Weathering is affected by water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, gravity, and fluctuating temperatures.
There are three main types of weathering:
- Physical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces.
- Chemical weathering Alters the chemical composition of rocks.
- Biological weathering happens when living organisms break down rocks.
Agents of Weathering include:
- Water: Can seep into cracks, freeze, expand, and widen cracks.
- Salt: Dissolves and concentrates minerals as water evaporates.
- Temperature: Frequent changes in temperature cause rocks to expand and contract, eventually fragmenting them.
- Plants: Roots grow into cracks, exert pressure, and cause weathering.
- Animals: Burrowing animals, and trampling by animals contribute to physical weathering.

What's In

Rocks are naturally occurring collections of minerals.
Rocks are classified into three primary types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary), categorized by their formation.

What I Need to Know

The module expects students to identify the agents of weathering, different types of (physical, chemical, and biological) weathering, the processes of each type, and how rocks are weathered.

What I Know

This is an assessment of prior knowledge about weathering processes
Questions test understanding of the mechanisms of weathering including causes and effects.

Lesson 1: Weathering

Weathering is the continuous breakdown or alteration of rocks.

What's New

This activity involves observing rock breaking, and observing the outcome
Materials include rocks, a hammer, and a flat surface.

What is It

Specific agents of weathering are covered with examples
- Water, both in liquid (seeping into cracks) and solid (ice expansion) forms, is a key factor in physical weathering.
- Abrasion: rocks wearing against each other
- Freeze-thaw: water filling cracks repeatedly causes physical breakdown.
- Exfoliation: pressure decreases as overburden is removed, causing rock slabs to detach.

Types of Weathering

Physical Weathering and its types: Abrasion and Freeze-thaw are discussed along with Exfoliation.
Chemical Weathering: Mechanisms like Carbonation, Hydrolysis, Hydration, and Oxidation are detailed.
Biological Weathering: Processes like Burrowing animals and plant roots breaking down rocks.

What's More

Short answer questions about weathering concepts.
Activities involve grouping weathering types.

Additional Activities

Students create a photographic display or a video of weathering.

Answer Key

Provides answers to prior knowledge and activity questions.

Assessment

Comprehensive questions on various aspects of weathering.

References

Lists resources utilized in the module for further study.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of weathering as part of the Earth Science curriculum for STEM. Explore the different types of weathering, including physical, chemical, and biological, and understand how various agents affect rock degradation. Test your knowledge and learn more about this fundamental geological process.