12 Questions
What is the process called when rock material is broken down into smaller pieces?
Weathering
What type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks due to physical changes?
Physical weathering
What is the term for the breakdown of rocks by the action of other rocks using wind, water, or gravity?
Abrasion
How do changes in temperature contribute to physical weathering?
By causing the rock to expand and contract, weakening its structure
How do plants contribute to physical weathering?
By growing roots that crack rocks
What is an example of animal action that contributes to physical weathering?
Animals digging burrows into the ground
What is the primary reason why rocks formed under pressure deep within Earth crack at the surface?
Because of pressure release
Which of the following is NOT a type of abrasion?
Temperature abrasion
What happens to a rock when it is subjected to repeated temperature changes?
It becomes weaker
What is the role of animal action in physical weathering?
To expose rocks at the surface
How do plant roots contribute to physical weathering?
By cracking rocks as they grow
What is the common factor among wind, water, and gravity in physical weathering?
They all contribute to abrasion
Study Notes
Weathering
- Weathering is the breakdown of rock material by physical and chemical processes.
- There are two types of weathering: physical weathering and chemical weathering.
Physical Weathering
- Physical weathering is the process by which rock is broken down into smaller pieces by physical changes.
- Types of physical weathering:
- Temperature change
- Pressure change
- Animal action
- Wind, water, and gravity
- Plant growth
Temperature Change
- Changes in temperature can cause a rock to break apart.
- Rise in temperature causes a rock to expand.
- Decrease in temperature causes a rock to contract.
- Repeated temperature changes can weaken the structure of a rock, causing it to crumble.
Pressure Change
- Rocks formed under pressure deep within the Earth can become exposed at the surface, causing the rocks to crack.
Animal Action
- Many animals dig burrows into the ground, allowing rocks to be exposed at the surface, and starting the weathering process.
Plant Growth
- Roots of plants can crack rocks.
- As the plant grows, its roots grow, and the rocks can break apart.
Wind, Water, and Gravity
- Abrasion is the breaking down of rocks by the action of other rocks using wind, water, or gravity.
- Types of abrasion:
- Gravity abrasion
- Abrasion by water
- Abrasion by wind
Weathering
- Weathering is the breakdown of rock material by physical and chemical processes.
- There are two types of weathering: physical weathering and chemical weathering.
Physical Weathering
- Physical weathering is the process by which rock is broken down into smaller pieces by physical changes.
- Types of physical weathering:
- Temperature change
- Pressure change
- Animal action
- Wind, water, and gravity
- Plant growth
Temperature Change
- Changes in temperature can cause a rock to break apart.
- Rise in temperature causes a rock to expand.
- Decrease in temperature causes a rock to contract.
- Repeated temperature changes can weaken the structure of a rock, causing it to crumble.
Pressure Change
- Rocks formed under pressure deep within the Earth can become exposed at the surface, causing the rocks to crack.
Animal Action
- Many animals dig burrows into the ground, allowing rocks to be exposed at the surface, and starting the weathering process.
Plant Growth
- Roots of plants can crack rocks.
- As the plant grows, its roots grow, and the rocks can break apart.
Wind, Water, and Gravity
- Abrasion is the breaking down of rocks by the action of other rocks using wind, water, or gravity.
- Types of abrasion:
- Gravity abrasion
- Abrasion by water
- Abrasion by wind
Learn about the breakdown of rock material through physical weathering, including temperature change, pressure change, animal action, and wind and water effects.
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