Weathering and Erosion Lab Questions

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

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

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

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

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

The amount of chemical weathering will increase if

• air temperature increases and precipitation increases

• air temperature increases and precipitation decreases

• air temperature decreases and precipitation increases

• air temperature decreases and precipitation decreases

Particles of soil often differ greatly from the underlying bedrock in color, mineral composition, and organic content. Which conclusion about these soil particles is best made from this evidence?

• They are residual sediments.

• They are uniformly large-grained.

• They are transported sediments.

• They are soluble in water.

The block diagram below represents caves that developed in a region over time.

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

Which of the following samples will weather at the fastest rate?

• A

• B

• C

• D

To make the topsoil thicker there would have to be an increase in

• biologic activity

• erosion

• slope

• wind

This layer of rock is the least resistant to weathering.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which climate type would most likely cause this type of weathering?

• A wet climate where temperatures remain below freezing

• A dry climate where temperatures remain below freezing

• A wet climate where temperatures alternate from below freezing to above freezing

• A dry climate where temperatures alternate from below freezing to above freezing

The two photographs below show dates on tombstones found in a cemetery in St. Remy, New York. The tombstones were 5 meters apart and both faced north. Tombstone A had dates cut into the rock in 1922. Tombstone B had dates cut into the rock in 1892.

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

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

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

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

• Tombstone A experienced cooler temperatures than tombstone B.

Based on the features shown, which erosional agent had the greatest effect on tree growth and the structures that humans have built on the landscape?

• running water

• prevailing winds

• moving ice

• gravity