Earth Science Weathering

Base your answer to the following question on the graph above, which shows the average yearly precipitation and temperature have on the type of weathering that will occur in a particular region. Which type of weathering is most common where the average yearly temperature is 5 degrees celsius and and the average yearly temperature is 45 cm?

• a) moderate chemical weathering

• b) very slight weathering

• c) moderate chemical weathering with frost action

• d) slight frost action

The diagram above shows four magnified block-shaped sandstone samples labeled A, B, C and D. Each sandstone sample contains quartz grains of different sizes and shapes. The quartz grains are held together by hematite cement. In which sample did the quartz grains undergo the most abrasion during erosional transport?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which characteristic would most likely remain constant when a limestone cobble is subjected to extensive abrasion?

• shape

• mass

• volume

• composition

The two photographs below show dates on tombstones found in a cemetery in St. Remy, New York. The tombstones were 5 meters apart and both faced north. Tombstone A had dates cut into the rock in 1922 . Tombstone B had dates cut into the rock in 1892. Which statement best explains why the dates are more difficult to read on tombstone A than on tombstone B?

• Tombstone A is composed of minerals less resistant to weathering than tombstone B

• Tombstone A has undergone a longer period of weathering than tombstone B

• Tombstone A experienced cooler temperatures than tombstone B

• Tombstone A was exposed to less acid rain than tombstone B.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is weathering?

• The process by which
  water, ice, wind or gravity
  moves fragments of rock
  and soil.

• The process by which
  water, ice, wind or gravity
  deposit rock sediments
  and soil in a new place.

• The breaking down of
  Earth’s crust into smaller
  and smaller pieces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which type of weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition?

• Chemical weathering

• Biological weathering

• Physical weathering

• Erosion

What is the main agent of chemical weathering?

• Wind

• Water

• Ice

• Gravity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following is an example of biological weathering?

• Tree roots growing into cracks in rocks

• Water freezing and expanding in rock cracks

• Acid rain dissolving limestone

• Wind blowing sand against rock surfaces

What is the primary difference between weathering and erosion?

• Weathering involves the movement of materials, erosion does not

• Erosion involves the breakdown of materials, weathering does not

• Weathering occurs in place, erosion involves movement

• Erosion is a type of weathering

Which mineral is most resistant to chemical weathering?

• Calcite

• Quartz

• Feldspar

• Mica