Surface Processes Review

Front

What is physical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, often due to temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or mechanical forces.

Front

What causes the enlargement of cracks in rocks during physical weathering?

Back

The enlargement of cracks occurs because water expands when it freezes, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock.

Front

What is longshore drift?

Back

Longshore drift is the movement of sand and sediment along the coastline, caused by wave action approaching the shore at an angle.

Front

What is the role of jetties in coastal management?

Back

Jetties are structures built to protect shorelines from erosion and to prevent longshore drift, helping to maintain navigation channels.

Front

What is wave action?

Back

Wave action refers to the movement of water caused by waves, which can erode, transport, and deposit sediments along shorelines.

Front

What is the minimum stream velocity required to transport the smallest particles of sand?

Back

The approximate minimum stream velocity required to transport the smallest particles of sand is 0.3 cm/s.

Front

What is a drumlin?

Back

A drumlin is an elongated hill formed by glacial deposits, typically composed of till, and shaped by the movement of a glacier.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice.

Front

What is deposition?

Back

Deposition is the process by which sediments are laid down in new locations after being transported by erosion.

Front

What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering?

Back

Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering involves chemical reactions that alter the minerals within the rock.