Mechanical Weathering: Understanding Earth's Surface Changes
15 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of mechanical weathering?

  • Shaping Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions
  • Creating new rocks through temperature changes
  • Breaking down rocks using chemical reactions
  • Breaking down rocks using physical means (correct)
  • How does mechanical weathering differ from chemical weathering?

  • Chemical weathering occurs quickly, while mechanical weathering is slow.
  • Mechanical weathering is caused by volcanic activity, while chemical weathering is not.
  • Chemical weathering only affects soft rocks, while mechanical weathering affects hard rocks.
  • Mechanical weathering breaks down rocks with physical forces, while chemical weathering uses chemical reactions. (correct)
  • What are the main external factors in the environment that cause mechanical weathering?

  • Wind and soil erosion
  • Water and temperature changes (correct)
  • Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
  • Chemical reactions and biological processes
  • How long does it typically take for noticeable changes to occur due to mechanical weathering?

    <p>Years to millions of years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the eventual outcome of the process of mechanical weathering on Earth's surface features?

    <p>Erosion of boulders into sand and sediment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of thermal expansion weathering?

    <p>Temperature changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are rocks in desert climates more susceptible to thermal expansion weathering?

    <p>Extreme temperature changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of weathering involves the force of freezing water expanding and making cracks larger within a rock?

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

    What is the primary mechanism behind exfoliation weathering?

    <p>Pressure release</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does thermal expansion contribute to the formation of grus fragments in desert climates?

    <p>By expanding and contracting rocks sharply</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main cause of exfoliation weathering according to geologists?

    <p>Pressure decrease causing the outer layers to break</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does abrasion weathering differ from salt crystal growth weathering?

    <p>Salt crystal growth involves rocks being forced against each other while abrasion involves crystals forming in rock cracks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a living organism that can contribute to biological weathering?

    <p>Mineral salts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do salt crystals have on rocks during salt crystal growth weathering?

    <p>They push through and widen cracks in rocks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can living organisms contribute to mechanical weathering of rocks?

    <p>By growing roots into rock cracks and opening them further.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    More Like This

    Mechanical Weathering Overview
    15 questions
    Mechanical Weathering Lesson
    20 questions

    Mechanical Weathering Lesson

    AccomplishedBixbite avatar
    AccomplishedBixbite
    Mechanical Weathering Flashcards
    10 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser