H.M.H. Vol 2 Unit 4-3 Exploration 1 Weathering and Its Effects

What is weathering?

• The process by which rock materials are broken down by physical and chemical processes.

• The creation of new rock materials.

• The destruction of matter.

• The process of forming new minerals.

What drives the process of weathering?

• Gravity and the sun.

• Only gravity.

• Only the sun.

• Wind and water alone.

What are the fragments of weathered rock called?

• Sediment

• Soil

• Minerals

• Pebbles

How does surface area affect a rock's tendency to weather?

• Smaller pieces weather more quickly due to more surface area exposure.

• Larger blocks weather more quickly.

• Surface area has no effect on weathering.

• Only chemical weathering is affected by surface area.

Which factor does NOT affect a rock's resistance to weathering?

• Color of the rock

• Composition of the rock

• Surface area of the rock

• Substances that make up the rock

What is the relationship between sediment and soil?

• Sediment is an important part of soil.

• Soil is an important part of sediment.

• Sediment and soil are the same thing.

• Sediment is unrelated to soil.

What is physical weathering?

• The mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces

• The chemical alteration of rock minerals

• The biological decomposition of organic matter

• The formation of new minerals from existing rocks

Which of the following is NOT a cause of physical weathering?

• Chemical reactions

• Temperature changes

• Wind and water

• Plant growth

How do plants contribute to physical weathering?

• By breaking rocks apart through growth

• By dissolving minerals in rocks

• By forming new minerals

• By protecting rocks from weathering

What role do burrowing animals play in physical weathering?

• They expose and displace soil and rock

• They chemically alter rock minerals

• They prevent rock erosion

• They form new rock layers