Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

The process by which rock is broken down into sediment is called __.

• weathering

• erosion

• deposition

• compaction

The agent of mechanical (physical) weathering in which rock is worn away by the grinding action of other small rock particles is called ____.

• erosion

• cracking and peeling

• abrasion

• ice wedging

A rock containing iron (Fe) becomes soft, crumbly, and reddish-brown in color. It probably has been chemically weathered by a reaction with ____.

• abrasion

• acid rain

• oxygen

• plants

The growth of plant roots and animal activity may result in ____.

• mechanical weathering

• erosion

• chemical weathering

• abrasion

Mike and his family visited the Confederate cemetery in Marietta. They noticed that many of the marble gravestones were worn away and they could not read the names or dates. Mike told his family that he learned in his Earth Science class that it was caused by ____.

• oxidation

• acid rain

• lichens

• abrasion

Ice wedging causes mechanical weathering of rock by means of ____.

• heating and cooling of air

• plant growth

• animal actions

• freezing and thawing of water

Which type of weathering causes the mineral composition of rocks to change?

• chemical weathering

• general weathering

• mechanical weathering

• permeable weathering

Which property of water can cause weathering?

• it contacts when it freezes

• it expands when it freezes

• it expands when it melts

• none of the answers are true

The most important factors in determining the rate of weathering are ____.

• carbon dioxide and acid rain

• abrasion and acid from plant roots

• animal action and oxygen

• the type of rock and the climate of the area

A hot, wet climate causes weathering to take place ____.

• slowly

• quickly

• unevenly

• at the same rate as a cool, dry climate