Weathering and Erosion Reviewer

Which of the following is an example of physical weathering?

• Rusting of iron

• Dissolving of limestone by acid rain

• Freezing and thawing of water in rock cracks

• Plant roots producing acids

• Carbon dioxide dissolving in rainwater

What is chemical weathering?

• The breakdown of rocks by changing their chemical composition

• The physical breaking apart of rocks without changing composition

• The movement of rocks from one place to another

• The formation of new rocks from magma

• The compaction of sediments into rock

Which of these would cause the fastest weathering of rocks?

• A dry desert environment

• A cold, dry arctic environment

• A warm, humid tropical environment

• The interior of a large mountain

• The bottom of a deep lake

How do plant roots contribute to weathering?

• They make the soil more acidic

• They can grow into cracks and widen them

• They shield rocks from rain

• They increase the temperature of the soil

• Both a and b are correct

Which of these is NOT a form of mechanical weathering?

• Frost wedging

• Exfoliation

• Root wedging

• Abrasion

• Oxidation

What role does climate play in weathering?

• It has no effect on weathering

• It determines the type and rate of weathering

• It only affects chemical weathering

• It only affects mechanical weathering

• It only matters in tropical regions

When rocks are exposed to oxygen and water, what chemical process often occurs?

• Crystallization

• Oxidation

• Photosynthesis

• Digestion

• Transpiration

A student observes rounded edges on rocks in a stream. Which process is most responsible for this?

• Chemical weathering

• Abrasion (physical weathering)

• Biological weathering

• Frost wedging

• Oxidation

Which factor would likely increase the rate of weathering?

• Decrease in temperature

• Decrease in moisture

• Increase in rock surface area

• Decrease in oxygen

• Decrease in plant life

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

• Weathering breaks down rocks in place, while erosion moves the material

• Weathering occurs only in cold climates, while erosion occurs in warm ones

• Weathering affects only igneous rocks, while erosion affects all rock types

• Weathering is caused by wind, while erosion is caused by water

• There is no difference; they are the same process