Weathering And Mass Wasting Quiz

Carbonation and oxidation are both types of chemical weathering. Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals through chemical processes. Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which reacts with minerals in rocks, such as limestone, causing them to dissolve. Oxidation, on the other hand, involves the reaction of minerals with oxygen, leading to the formation of new compounds and the breakdown of the original rock material. Both processes are examples of chemical reactions that contribute to the weathering and erosion of rocks over time.

Folding is not an agent of denudation because it refers to the process of bending and deforming rock layers due to tectonic forces, rather than the removal or wearing away of rock material. Denudation, on the other hand, involves the processes of weathering, mass wasting, and erosion, which contribute to the gradual wearing down and removal of rock and soil from the Earth's surface.

Frost action refers to the process of weathering where water seeps into cracks and pores in rocks, freezes, and expands. When water freezes, it expands by about 9%, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. In areas where the temperature fluctuates around zero degrees Celsius, this freeze-thaw cycle is repeated frequently, causing the rock to break apart. This type of weathering is commonly observed in regions with cold climates, such as mountainous areas or polar regions.

A landslide refers to a sudden movement of weathered material downslope. This movement can occur due to various factors such as gravity, erosion, or human activities. It involves the rapid displacement of a large amount of soil, rocks, or debris, often causing significant damage to the surrounding environment. Unlike soil flow, which typically involves the gradual movement of soil due to the force of gravity, a landslide is characterized by a sudden and often destructive event. Soil creep, on the other hand, refers to the slow, gradual movement of soil particles downhill, whereas weathering refers to the process of breaking down rocks and minerals over time.

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments or particles. This can occur through various mechanisms such as physical, chemical, or biological processes. Physical weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. Chemical weathering, on the other hand, involves the alteration of the rock's composition through chemical reactions. Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants or animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks. Therefore, weathering is the most appropriate term to describe the breakdown of rock.

Burrowing animals and plants contribute to biotic weathering. Biotic weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals by living organisms. In the case of burrowing animals and plants, their activities such as digging tunnels, root growth, and burrowing into rocks can physically break down the rocks and expose them to further weathering processes. This can include the penetration of water, chemicals, and biological agents into the rocks, leading to their decomposition and alteration. Therefore, the activities of burrowing animals and plants play a significant role in the biotic weathering process.

Oxidation is the correct answer because it is a form of weathering that is commonly known as "rusting." Rusting occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen in the presence of water or moisture, resulting in the formation of iron oxide (rust). This process weakens the material and leads to its deterioration over time. Therefore, oxidation is the most suitable explanation for the given answer.

Soil creep is a form of mass wasting that occurs very slowly over time. It involves the gradual movement of soil particles downhill due to the force of gravity. The movement is so slow that it cannot be easily observed with the naked eye, making it difficult to detect without specialized monitoring equipment. This slow and continuous movement of soil particles is caused by factors such as freeze-thaw cycles, wetting and drying, and the expansion and contraction of soil particles.

Carbonation is the correct answer because it is a form of chemical weathering that occurs when rainwater combines with carbon dioxide in the air to form a weak carbonic acid. This acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in limestone, dissolving it and forming caves over time. Frost action, oxidation, and temperature changes may contribute to weathering processes, but they are not specifically responsible for the formation of caves in limestone areas.

Frost action and pressure release are both examples of mechanical weathering. Frost action occurs when water freezes in cracks and crevices, causing the rock to break apart. Pressure release, also known as exfoliation, happens when overlying layers of rock are eroded, leading to the release of pressure on the underlying rock, causing it to expand and crack. Both processes involve physical forces that break down rocks into smaller pieces without any chemical changes occurring.

Weathering refers to the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces. There are three main types of weathering: physical weathering, chemical weathering, and biological weathering. Physical weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks through processes such as freezing and thawing, while chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of rocks through reactions with water and other substances. Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks. Therefore, the correct answer is three.

Planting trees on unstable slopes does not increase the chance of landslides. In fact, trees can help stabilize slopes by their root systems, which bind the soil together and prevent erosion. The other options mentioned, such as building on unstable slopes, undercutting the base of slopes to build roads, and removing vegetation from steep slopes, all contribute to destabilizing the slope and increasing the risk of landslides.

Soil creep refers to the slow movement of soil down a slope, usually caused by the force of gravity. Cracks in roads, tilted fences, and posts are all indicators of this phenomenon. As the soil gradually shifts and moves, it can cause these visible signs of deformation and displacement. This process is different from landslides, which involve more sudden and dramatic movements of soil and rock. Weathering, on the other hand, refers to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface, which can contribute to soil creep over time.

An extended period of drought will NOT increase the chance of landslides because it causes the soil to become dry and compact, reducing its ability to slide or move. In contrast, when bedding planes are roughly parallel to the slope surface, it creates a weak plane along which the soil can easily slide. An earthquake can also trigger landslides by shaking the ground and destabilizing the soil. Additionally, rocks like shale or clay are more prone to landslides due to their weak and easily erodible nature.