Weathering and Erosion Quiz

What is the process called when small particles of rock are carried away by water, wind, and ice?

What did Alfred Wegener call the single supercontinent that he proposed existed in the past?

Based on what observations did Alfred Wegener conclude his theory of Continental Drift?

"Rust" is formed due to the presence of which element in dolerite?

What process is responsible for the formation of rust in dolerite?

What is the main cause of rock erosion?

Weathering and Erosion Overview

Weathering encompasses physical and chemical processes that break down rocks.

Physical Weathering

Causes include:
- Temperature Change: Solids, including rocks, expand when heated and contract when cooled; this can lead to cracking.
- Water and Ice: Water can freeze in rock cracks, expanding ice breaks rocks apart.
- Crystallization of Salts: As salts crystallize within rocks, they exert pressure, contributing to weathering.
- Wind: Fine particles carried by wind erode rock surfaces over time.
- Living Plants: Roots of plants can infiltrate cracks in rocks, causing splits as they grow.

Ice and Glaciers

Glaciers act as slow-moving rivers of ice that scrape surrounding rock, creating U-shaped valleys as they advance.

Water as an Erosion Agent

Moving water can erode and wear away rocks, especially through processes like river flow and rain.

Chemical Weathering

Involves reactions between water and chemicals in the air, leading to changes in the rock's composition.
Example: Dolerite rock can undergo chemical changes when it reacts with oxygen in the environment.

Test your knowledge on the physical and chemical processes that break down rocks and the various factors contributing to weathering, such as temperature changes, water and ice, crystallization of salts, wind, and living plants. Learn about the effects of temperature, water, and ice on the weathering process.