Weathering

Which geologic feature is caused primarily by chemical weathering?

• large caves in limestone bedrock

• a pattern of parallel cracks in a granite mountain

• blocks of basalt at the base of a steep slope

• the smooth, polished surface of a rock in a dry, sandy area

Which statement best describes the physical weathering shown in the diagram?

• This type of weathering occurs only in bedrock composed of granite

• Enlargement of the cracks occurs because water expands when it freezes

• The cracks become wider because of chemical reactions between water and the rock

• This type of weathering is common in regions of primarily warm and humid climates

Which activity demonstrates chemical weathering?

• freezing of water in the cracks of a sandstone sidewalk

• abrasion of a streambed by tumbling rocks

• grinding of talc into a powder

• dissolving of limestone by acid rain

Which statement best explains why the dates are more difficult to read on tombstone A than on tombstone B?

• Tombstone A is composed of minerals less resistant to weathering than Tombstone B.

• Tombstone A has undergone a longer period of weathering than Tombstone B.

• Tombstone A experienced cooler temperatures than Tombstone B.

• Tombstone A was exposed to less acid rain than Tombstone B.

Which type of rock was chemically weathered by acidic groundwater to produce the cave and its features?

• silstone

• basalt

• quartzite

• limestone

Which type of weathering was primarily responsible for the development of these caves?

• physical weathering of sandstone

• physical weathering of limestone

• chemical weathering of sandstone

• chemical weathering of limestone

This soil was formed primarily by

• erosion of glaciers

• erosion by running water

• human action

• weathering and biological activity

Which process of change is best represented by the sequence shown in the diagram?

• deposition

• metamorphism

• weathering

• condenstation

What is the main difference between chemical and physical weathering?

• Chemical weathering alters the composition of minerals, and physical weathering does not.

• Chemical weathering increases the surface area of minerals, and physical weathering does not.

• Physical weathering alters the composition of minerals, and chemical weathering does not.

• Physical weathering increases the surface area of minerals, and chemical weathering does not.

Water is a major agent of chemical weathering because water

• cools the surroundings when it evaporates

• dissolves many of the minerals that make up rocks

• has a density of about 1 g/mL

• has the highest specific heat of all common earth materials