Weathering Quiz Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How is weathering different from erosion?

Weathering is the breaking of rocks into smaller pieces called sediments; erosion is the movement of these sediments to a new location.

How is mechanical weathering different from chemical weathering?

Mechanical weathering physically breaks rocks into smaller pieces; chemical weathering changes the surface of rocks into new substances.

How does water mechanically weather rocks?

Water in streams and rivers carries sediments that cause abrasion; water flows into cracks in rocks where it can freeze and cause ice wedging.

How does abrasion change the shape of rocks?

Abrasion changes the shape of rocks from sharp and pointed to smooth and round. Signup and view all the answers

Why is water considered the 'most important' cause of weathering?

Water is necessary for all types of chemical weathering, in addition to causing abrasion and ice wedging. Signup and view all the answers

What causes acid rain?

Acid rain is caused by sulfur and other chemicals that pollute the air from burning coal, oil, and gas. Signup and view all the answers

How does mechanical weathering make it easier for a rock to be chemically weathered?

It breaks rocks into many pieces, creating more surface area for chemical weathering. Signup and view all the answers

How does chemical weathering make it easier for a rock to be mechanically weathered?

Chemical weathering softens rock, making it easier to break by mechanical weathering. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there more mechanical and chemical weathering in wet climates?

Wet climates have more rainfall, providing water needed for chemical reactions, ice wedging, and abrasion. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there less chemical weathering in dry climates?

There is little chemical weathering in dry climates because there is little water for chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there more chemical weathering in warm and wet climates?

Warm temperatures increase the rate of chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there more mechanical weathering in cool and wet climates?

Cool temperatures increase mechanical weathering by ice wedging. Signup and view all the answers

How are young mountains different from old mountains?

Young mountains are rocky and steep with sharp tops, while old mountains are covered with soil and plants with gentle slopes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weathering vs. Erosion

Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces known as sediments, while erosion involves the movement of these sediments to new locations by natural forces like water, ice, wind, or gravity.

Types of Weathering

Mechanical weathering involves physically breaking rocks into smaller fragments without changing their composition.
Chemical weathering alters the chemical structure of rocks, transforming them into new substances, such as rust.

Water's Role in Mechanical Weathering

Water causes mechanical weathering through abrasion, where sediments carried by moving water wear down rock surfaces.
Ice wedging occurs when water seeps into rock cracks, freezes, and expands, leading to further rock fragmentation.

Effects of Abrasion

Continued abrasion alters the shape of rocks, smoothing sharp edges and creating rounder forms.

Importance of Water in Weathering

Water is vital for weathering processes, enabling both mechanical actions like abrasion and chemical reactions vital for weathering.

Causes of Acid Rain

Acid rain results from pollutants such as sulfur released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels, impacting environmental health.

Interplay Between Mechanical and Chemical Weathering

Mechanical weathering facilitates chemical weathering by increasing the surface area of rocks, making them more prone to chemical reactions.
Conversely, chemical weathering can soften rocks, making them easier to break down through mechanical actions.

Climate Influences on Weathering

Wet climates promote both mechanical and chemical weathering due to abundant rainfall that supports reactions and physical processes like ice wedging.
Dry climates, such as deserts, experience minimal chemical weathering due to insufficient water for necessary reactions.

Temperature Effects on Weathering

Warm and wet environments, typically found in tropical regions, accelerate chemical weathering due to enhanced reaction rates under higher temperatures.
Cool and wet locales, such as temperate regions, increase mechanical weathering, particularly through processes like ice wedging.

Mountain Age Comparison

Young mountains are characterized by steep, rocky terrain with sharp peaks and high elevations, indicating less weathering.
Old mountains exhibit gentler slopes, smoother tops, and are covered in soil and vegetation, showing significant weathering over time.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of weathering and its distinctions from erosion. This quiz covers both mechanical and chemical weathering, clarifying their differences and processes. Dive into this engaging learning activity to strengthen your understanding of geological processes!