AS Paper 1: Rocks and Weathering - SECTION B
Full list of 2010-2015 Rocks and Weathering questions from Section B (45 minutes)
Summer 2010 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms exfoliation and crystal growth (salt). [4]
(ii) Describe the process of freeze-thaw weathering. [3]
(b) Explain the influences upon weathering of:
(i) rock type and structure,
(ii) vegetation. [8]
(c) Explain how plate tectonics can be used to account for the development of ocean
ridges and ocean trenches. [10]
Winter 2010 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms pressure release (dilatation) and crystal growth (salt
crystalisation) as they apply to rock weathering. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe spheroidal weathering. [3]
(b) Using diagrams, explain the operation of one type of slide and one type of flow on
slopes. [8]
(c) Explain how chemical weathering is influenced by climate, rock type and rock
structure. [10]
Summer 2011 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms oxidation and freeze thaw. [4]
(ii) Explain the process of exfoliation. [3]
(b) Explain how the differences in the chemical composition of limestone and granite
lead to differences in the ways they are weathered. [8]
(c) With the aid of diagrams describe and explain the formation of landforms found near
convergent plate boundaries. [10]
Winter 2011 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms flow and slide as they apply to mass movements. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how a rock slide can affect the shape of a slope. [3]
(b) With the use of a diagram or diagrams, show how ocean trenches and island arcs
may develop at a convergent plate margin. [8]
(c) Explain how human activities can both increase and decrease mass movements on
slopes. [10]
Summer 2012 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms continental plate and oceanic plate. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the formation of a mid-ocean ridge. [3]
(b) With the help of a diagram, explain the formation of landforms at the destructive plate
margin formed by the meeting of two oceanic plates. [8]
(c) Describe the physical factors that can make a slope become unstable. To what
extent can human activities affect slope stability? [10]
Winter 2012 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms ocean ridges and island arcs. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the process of subduction. [3]
(b) With the help of diagrams, explain how fold mountains are formed at tectonic plate
margins. [8]
(c) Explain how mass movements can affect the development of slopes. [10]
Summer 2013 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms humic acid and chelation. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how hydration weathers rock. [3]
(b) With the aid of diagrams show how:
(i) rock slides and
(ii) mud flows
occur and can affect the shape of slopes. [8]
(c) Explain to what extent climate, vegetation and relief influence the weathering of
limestone. [10]
Winter 2013 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms salt crystal growth and hydration. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the process of exfoliation. [3]
(b) Explain how human activities may affect the nature and intensity of weathering. [8]
(c) With the aid of diagrams, explain how the movement of tectonic plates leads to the
formation of mid-ocean ridges and island arcs. [10]
Summer 2014 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms heave and slide as they apply to mass movements. [4]
(ii) Describe how a mud flow occurs. [3]
(b) With the aid of diagrams explain how ocean ridges and ocean trenches are formed.
[8]
(c) To what extent do rock type, vegetation and human activities affect the shape of
slopes? [10]
Winter 2014 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define the terms chelation and hydrolysis. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the process of pressure release (dilatation). [3]
(b) Explain how vegetation, gradient and aspect may affect the nature and intensity of
weathering. [8]
(c) To what extent is mass movement on slopes the result of human activities rather
than natural processes? [10]
Summer 2015 9696/11
9 (a) (i) Define sea floor spreading and ocean ridge. [4]
(ii) Describe an island arc. [3]
(b) Draw a labelled diagram showing the convergence of an oceanic plate and a continental plate. Explain the processes occurring and the types of landforms produced. [8]
(c) Explain the factors and processes that are most effective in the weathering of granite
and limestone. [10]