Surface Processes Pt. 1

How does freezing water cause the weathering of rocks?  The freezing water—

• keeps the rocks in place
• makes the rocks last longer
• expands cracks and breaks rocks
• causes rocks to fall in landslides

The process that breaks down rocks and other materials on Earth's surface is called

• weathering
• erosion
• soil conservation
• decomposition

What is mechanical weathering?

• Process through which rocks are physically broken into smaller pieces.
• Rocks are broken down through chemical changes.
• Rocks are worn away from acid in plant roots.
• Rocks broken down by machinery.

Which type of climate will have faster chemical weathering?

• Hot and Wet
• Cold and Dry
• Hot and Cold
• Cold and Wet

The diagrams shows a rock with water trapped in the cracks during the day and at night. 

Which statement best explains why this process results in weathering?

• frozen water acts as a solute
• water expands when it freezes
• the mass of water increases when it freezes
• frozen water dissolves most types of rock

This type of weathering occurs when rocks weaken then break down due to chemical changes in the composition of the rock.

• mechanical weathering
• chemical weathering
• erosion weathering
• deposition

Weeds growing into the cracks in a sidewalk and the sidewalk begins to crumble is an example of:

• mechanical weathering
• chemical weathering

All of the following are causes of physical weathering except...

• plant growth
• wind
• acid rain
• running water

Lichens (small green plants) growing on a large boulder release enzymes and other acids that slowly break the rock apart. This is an example of:

• mechanical weathering
• chemical weathering

Exposure to rain and oxygen causes the metal minerals in rocks to rust and fall apart.  This is an example of:

• mechanical weathering
• chemical weathering