Unit 36: Weathering Processes
1. Weathering is the
a. the formation of larger landforms through natural processes
b. the deposition of rocks and mineral particles
c. the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles*
d. the transportation of rocks and minerals
2. Chemical weathering is more active in ____climates.
a. cold, dry
b. cold, wet
c. warm, wet*
d. warm, dry
3. What type of weathering is associated with the freezing of water in the joints of rocks?
a. mechanical weathering*
b. chemical weathering
c. biological weathering
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
4. In what Koppen climate type would you expect mechanical weathering to be most intense?
a. B
b. C
c. D*
d. both (a) and (b)
5. In what Koppen climate type would you expect chemical weathering to be most intense?
a. A*
b. B
c. D
d. none of the above
6. What is weathering’s role in the rock cycle?
a. It transports sediments.
b. It breaks down rocks into sediments.*
c. It solidifies sediments into sedimentary rocks.
d. It metamorphoses rocks.
7. Which of these is not a form of mechanical weathering?
a. oxidation*
b. exfoliation
c. thermal expansion
d. frost action
8. The growth of _____ crystals in arid regions has similar effects on rocks as do frost action in cold regions.
a. snow
b. quartz
c. salt*
d. ice
9. Most chemical weathering involves
a. carbon dioxide
b. water*
c. salts
d. air or oxidation
10. The formation of underground caverns occurs through the ____ process.
a. carbonation*
b. oxidation
c. hydroxation
d. soil emulsification
11. Oxidation of mine wastes, especially coal, often leads to ground water with pH levels
a. above 7
b. 7
c. below 7
d. between 10 and 20
12. When iron-bearing silicate minerals are broken down by weathering, the iron through oxidation produces
a. a dark brown or black colored rock or soil
b. a light gray colored rock
c. a reddish-brown or orange colored rock*
d. a white or silvery rock