30 Questions
What are the two main types of weathering?
Mechanical and Chemical
What is weathering?
The physical and chemical breakdown of rock at or near the Earth's surface
How does weathering affect rock strength and permeability?
It reduces rock strength and increases permeability
What contributes to the physical and chemical breakdown of exposed rock?
High temperatures, pressures, and substances, especially water
What does weathering make rock more susceptible to?
Mass wasting and erosion
What is the primary function of weathering?
To decrease the strength and permeability of rocks
After studying the module, what should students be able to do?
Define weathering and distinguish between the two main types of weathering
Which type of weathering involves physical forces that break rock into smaller pieces without changing the mineral composition?
Mechanical weathering
What is the main source of power for mechanical weathering?
Gravity
What is the process that occurs when moist soils freeze and expand, leading to the growth of ice lenses?
Frost heave
What is the unique property of liquid water that contributes to frost wedging?
Expanding about 9 percent upon freezing
Which process leads to the fragmentation of rock through the movement of mobile agents such as gravity, wind, and water?
Erosional agents
What is the result of mechanical weathering?
Breaking rocks into smaller pieces without changing mineral composition
Which type of weathering involves chemical change that alters the chemical composition of rocks?
Chemical weathering
What are the two main types of weathering?
Physical and chemical
Which process occurs when moist soils freeze and expand, leading to the growth of ice lenses?
Frost wedging
What contributes to the physical and chemical breakdown of exposed rock?
Environmental conditions at and near Earth’s surface
What is the primary function of weathering?
To break down rock on earth’s surface
How does weathering affect rock strength and permeability?
It decreases strength and increases permeability
What is weathering?
The breakdown and alteration of rocks at or near the Earth’s surface
What is the unique property of liquid water that contributes to frost wedging?
It expands about 9 percent upon freezing
What contributes to the physical and chemical breakdown of exposed rock?
Gravity, water, and wind
What is the primary function of weathering?
To break down rocks into smaller pieces
What is the main source of power for mechanical weathering?
Gravity, water, and wind
Which type of weathering involves physical forces that break rock into smaller pieces without changing the mineral composition?
Mechanical weathering
What does freeze-thaw action or frost wedging mainly involve?
Expansion of water when it freezes
What is the process that occurs when moist soils freeze and expand, leading to the growth of ice lenses?
Frost heave
How does chemical weathering differ from physical/mechanical weathering?
Chemical weathering involves altering the chemical composition of rocks, while physical/mechanical weathering only breaks rocks into smaller pieces.
What contributes to the fragmentation of rock by exerting pressure on it during mechanical weathering?
Unloading (sheeting)
What is the end result of mechanical weathering on a rock?
Many small pieces from a single large one.
Test your understanding of the environmental conditions and processes that contribute to the physical and chemical breakdown of exposed rock on Earth's surface. Explore the concepts of weathering and its impact on rock strength and permeability.
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