Weathering Processes Quiz

Weathering and Erosion

• Water is the principal agent behind both physical and chemical weathering, playing a critical role in breaking down rocks and minerals.
• Erosion involves the transport of rocks and minerals through agents such as water, ice, snow, and wind, reshaping landscapes over time.

Types of Weathering

• Mechanical weathering breaks down rocks through physical processes including heat, water, and ice, without altering the chemical composition of the rocks.
• Chemical weathering involves the alteration of the mineral composition in rocks due to chemical reactions, often involving water and atmospheric gases.

Soil Formation

• The material left over after rocks break down, known as sediment, combines with organic matter, minerals, and nutrients to create soil, essential for plant growth.

Rock Composition

• Sedimentary rock covers approximately 66% of the Earth's continents and much of the ocean floor, formed from the accumulation of sediment over time.

Test your knowledge about the processes of weathering, including physical and chemical weathering, and their impact on rocks, soils, and minerals. Learn about the effects of water, atmospheric gases, sunlight, and biological organisms on weathering.