Chapter 14: Weathering and Erosion

Dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals is called what?

• fossil
• humus
• oil
• dirt

Precipitation, such as rain, sleet, or snow that contains a high concentration of acids, often because of the pollution of the atmosphere, is called...

• acid precipitation
• creep
• chemical weathering
• differential weathering

What is a physical feature of Earth's surface called?

• landform
• creep
• solifluction
• abrasion

A loose mixture of rock fragments and organic material that can support the growth of vegetation is known as what?

• humus
• horizon
• soil
• sheet erosion

The natural process by which atmospheric and environmental agents, such as wind, rain, and temperature changes, disintegrate and decompose rocks is known as...

• mechanical weathering
• differential weathering
• chemical weathering
• weathering

What is the process by which a metallic element combines with oxygen called?

• solifluction
• oxidation
• erosion
• carbonation

A vertical section of soil that shows the layers, or horizons, is called a...

• soil profile
• creep
• erosion
• abrasion

A chemical reaction between water and another substance to form two or more new substances is called?

• solifluction
• carbonation
• oxidation
• hydrolysis

What is a process in which the materials of Earth's surface are loosened, dissolved, or worn away and transported from one place to another by a natural agent, such as wind, water, ice, or gravity, called?

• differential weathering
• mass movement
• sheet erosion
• erosion

The process by which rocks break down into smaller pieces by physical means is called _______________ weathering.

• physical
• chemical
• mechanical
• differential