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Questions and Answers
The weathering of rocks is influenced by __________ and rainfall intensity.
The weathering of rocks is influenced by __________ and rainfall intensity.
temperature
Strong chemical weathering occurs in warm and very __________ climates.
Strong chemical weathering occurs in warm and very __________ climates.
humid
The more __________ area exposed while a particle is weathering, the faster it will weather.
The more __________ area exposed while a particle is weathering, the faster it will weather.
surface
Rocks composed of harder, more resistant minerals will weather away more __________.
Rocks composed of harder, more resistant minerals will weather away more __________.
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Areas with strong chemical weathering have a landscape with smooth, __________ surface features.
Areas with strong chemical weathering have a landscape with smooth, __________ surface features.
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Soil is a mixture of weathered rocks and biological activity over long periods of time, known as ______.
Soil is a mixture of weathered rocks and biological activity over long periods of time, known as ______.
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The top layer of soil, which contains the highest amount of organic matter, is called the ______.
The top layer of soil, which contains the highest amount of organic matter, is called the ______.
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Erosion moves sediments downhill through a process known as ______.
Erosion moves sediments downhill through a process known as ______.
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When larger, denser, rounder particles settle out first, it is referred to as ______ sediments.
When larger, denser, rounder particles settle out first, it is referred to as ______ sediments.
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Shoreline erosion is an ongoing process caused by the force of ocean ______.
Shoreline erosion is an ongoing process caused by the force of ocean ______.
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Wind erosion involves the picking up of small particles like sand, silt, and ______.
Wind erosion involves the picking up of small particles like sand, silt, and ______.
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Erosion and deposition by gravity is often referred to as ______ movement.
Erosion and deposition by gravity is often referred to as ______ movement.
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The process by which sediments are ultimately deposited into oceans or lakes is called ______.
The process by which sediments are ultimately deposited into oceans or lakes is called ______.
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Physical weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller particles without changing the ______ of the rock.
Physical weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller particles without changing the ______ of the rock.
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Frost action, also known as ice wedging, involves repeated freezing and thawing of ______ in the cracks of rocks.
Frost action, also known as ice wedging, involves repeated freezing and thawing of ______ in the cracks of rocks.
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During abrasion, rocks become smaller, smoother, and rounder due to the ______ and rubbing of rocks as they collide.
During abrasion, rocks become smaller, smoother, and rounder due to the ______ and rubbing of rocks as they collide.
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Chemical weathering predominantly involves water reacting with mineral grains to form ______ minerals.
Chemical weathering predominantly involves water reacting with mineral grains to form ______ minerals.
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Oxidation occurs when iron-bearing rocks are exposed to air and water, forming ______ oxide.
Oxidation occurs when iron-bearing rocks are exposed to air and water, forming ______ oxide.
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Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide combines with ______.
Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide combines with ______.
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Hydrolysis takes place when water reacts with some minerals in a rock to produce clay and ______.
Hydrolysis takes place when water reacts with some minerals in a rock to produce clay and ______.
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The process of carbonation involves acid rain dissolving rocks containing the mineral ______.
The process of carbonation involves acid rain dissolving rocks containing the mineral ______.
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Study Notes
Physical Weathering
- Physical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition.
- Frost action (ice wedging): Repeated freezing and thawing of water in rock cracks widens the cracks and eventually breaks the rock.
- Abrasion: Rocks collide, becoming smaller, smoother, and rounder. This occurs due to the movement of sediments by water or wind.
Chemical Weathering
- Chemical weathering alters the composition of rock by forming new compounds.
- It is mostly caused by water reacting with minerals in rocks to form new minerals, particularly when the water is slightly acidic (e.g., acid rain).
- Oxidation: When iron-bearing rocks are exposed to air and water, iron combines with oxygen, forming iron oxide (rust).
- Carbonation: Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which can dissolve rocks like limestone.
- Hydrolysis: Water reacts with some minerals (like feldspar in granite) to form clay and salts.
Rates of Weathering
- Climate: Strong chemical weathering occurs in warm, humid climates. Strong physical weathering occurs in cold, humid climates, whereas arid climates show very slight weathering.
- Exposed Surface Area: The more surface area exposed, the faster the weathering process will be.
Soils
- Soil is a mixture of weathered rocks and biological activity over time. The top layer (horizon) has the most organic matter, and the bottom layer has the most weathered material.
Erosion and Deposition
- Weathering: Breaks rocks into smaller pieces.
- Erosion: Moves sediments to a new location.
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Deposition: Settlements of eroded sediments. Agents of Erosion include: water, waves, wind, gravity, and ice.
- Sorted sediments: Larger, denser, rounder particles settle first.
- Unsorted sediments: Sediments deposited without any particular order and generally consist of mixed sizes.
Erosion by Waves
- Waves erode shorelines and deposit sediments.
- Waves act like natural sandpaper.
- Waves transport eroded material along the shore
Erosion by Wind
- Wind picks up and carries small particles like sand, silt, and clay to new locations (abrasion/sandblasting).
- Erosional features formed by wind include Arches National Park and Monument Valley.
Erosion and Deposition by Gravity (Mass Movement)
- Mass movement: downhill movement of rock or sediment due to gravity.
- Types of mass movement include soil creep, debris flows, mud flows, and rock falls.
- Sediments in mass movements are angular and unsorted.
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Description
Explore the fundamental processes of physical and chemical weathering in geology. This quiz covers key concepts such as frost action, abrasion, and the various chemical reactions that change rock composition. Test your understanding of how rocks are broken down and altered over time.
