Exogenic Processes: Weathering Overview

False (B)

Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering involves changes in the rock's minerals.

<p>Frost wedging</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dissolution = Dissociation into ions Oxidation = Reaction with oxygen Hydrolysis = Reaction with water Salt crystal growth = Expansion from crystallization</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Water, plants, or animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Breaking rocks apart through freezing and thawing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Warm and wet climates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Following the order of crystallization in Bowen's reaction series (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They assist in breaking rocks through plant and animal interactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Change in mineral composition through reaction with water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Steep slopes promote faster weathering due to mass wasting. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dissociation of molecules into ions, such as salt dissolving in water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Physical weathering occurs at a slower rate on steep slopes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The breakdown of rocks at the Earth's surface by natural forces like water, temperature changes, and biological activity, without removal of the rock material.

The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

A physical weathering process where water expands when it freezes, forcing rocks apart along joints.

The breakdown of rocks by chemical reactions that change the rocks' minerals.

A chemical weathering process where minerals are broken down into ions by a solvent, often water.

A chemical weathering process where minerals react with oxygen in water, leading to changes in their composition.

The weather patterns and temperatures in an area affect the rate of chemical weathering.

Different types of rocks weather at different rates.

Weathering processes are broadly categorized as either physical or chemical, both breaking down rocks but with different mechanisms.

Frost wedging occurs when water freezes in rock cracks, expands, and exerts pressure, causing the rock to fracture over repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Salt crystals form in rock pores when water evaporates, and their growth exerts pressure, ultimately causing the rock to break apart.

Abrasion is the wearing down of rocks by the constant friction and impact of loose particles, like sand carried by wind or water.

Plants, animals, and even humans can contribute to weathering by growing roots that break rocks, burrowing, or creating physical disturbances.

Dissolution is a chemical weathering process where minerals break down into ions when dissolved in a solvent, often water. Think of sugar dissolving in your drink.

Hydrolysis is a chemical weathering process where minerals react with water, changing their composition. This process often weakens the rock.