Weathering and Soils Formative

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What is weathering?

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The process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by physical, chemical, or biological means.

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What is erosion?

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The process by which weathered rock and soil are moved from one place to another by water, ice, wind, or gravity.

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What is mechanical weathering?

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The physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

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The process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water and gases.

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What is abrasion in the context of weathering?

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The process of scraping or wearing away of rock surfaces through friction, often caused by wind or water.

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How does surface area affect the rate of weathering?

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As surface area increases, the rate of weathering increases because more of the rock is exposed to weathering agents.

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What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

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Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those weathered materials.

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What is deposition?

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The process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass.

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What role does water play in weathering?

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Water can cause both mechanical and chemical weathering, such as through freeze-thaw cycles and chemical reactions.

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What is permeability in rocks?

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Permeability is the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it; more permeable rocks weather faster.