Ch 2 Geologic processes

Of the following conditions, which is the most favorable for chemical weathering?

• dry climate

• little vegetation

• moist climate

• steep slopes

When water enters a crack in a rock, expands as it freezes, and cracks the rock, what has occurred?

• frost heaving

• frost wedging

• rock icing

• salt wedging

Examples of mechanical weathering of rock include __________.

• clay formation

• exfoliation

• acid weather pits

• both B and C

Which of the following agents is always involved in mass wasting?

• gravity

• water

• wind

• waves

A type of mass wasting that moves quickly, but slips just a short distance is __________.

• a rockslide

• a mudflow

• creep

• slump

A soil scientist is a __________.

• mineralogist

• limnologist

• pedologist

• speleologist

Biological soil crusts are important because they

• prevent arid soil erosion.

• provide food to wild animals.

• create color in an otherwise dull desert scene.

• keep people from walking on desert pavement.

Any fertile soil must contain __________.

• clay

• organic material

• sand

• silt

Animals and plants help soil fertility by

• breaking up the soil.

• decomposing and adding nutrients to the soil.

• burrowing tunnels that let in air and moisture.

• all the above means.

An avalanche is not considered mass wasting because it involves only ice and snow.

• true

• false