Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition - Mike Sanmartano Video

What is weathering?

• The transportation of sediments

• The breaking down and changing of rocks

• The dropping off of sediments

• The erosion caused by wind

Answer explanation

Weathering refers to the process of breaking down and changing of rocks. This process can occur due to various natural forces like water, wind, and temperature changes. The other options, such as the transportation of sediments, the dropping off of sediments, and the erosion caused by wind, are related to weathering but do not define what it is.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is erosion?

• The transportation of sediments

• The breaking down and changing of rocks

• The dropping off of sediments

• The erosion caused by wind

Answer explanation

Erosion, as the question implies, is primarily about the movement or transportation of sediments. While it's true that erosion can involve the breakdown of rocks and the deposition of sediments, the core concept refers to the process whereby soil, rock, and other particles are worn away and moved to another location, typically by wind, water, or ice. Therefore, the correct answer is 'The transportation of sediments'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is deposition?

• The transportation of sediments

• The breaking down and changing of rocks

• The dropping off of sediments

• The erosion caused by wind

Answer explanation

Deposition, in the context of geology, refers to the process by which sediments are transported by agents of erosion such as water, wind, or ice and are relocated to a new location. Among the options given, 'The dropping off of sediments' correctly defines this term, making this the right answer.

Which type of weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their composition?

• Frost action

• Exfoliation

• Abrasion

• Root wedging

Answer explanation

The question asks about the type of weathering that involves the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their composition. Frost action meets these criteria. It's a type of physical or mechanical weathering where water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes and expands, causing the rock to break apart without altering its mineral composition.

Which type of weathering involves the chemical reaction that changes the composition of rocks?

• Frost action

• Exfoliation

• Oxidation

• Carbonation

Answer explanation

Oxidation is a type of chemical weathering. It involves a chemical reaction that changes the composition of rocks. This occurs when oxygen combines with other elements to create something new. So, the weathering that involves the chemical reaction that changes the composition of rocks is Oxidation.

What is the process called when iron reacts with oxygen in the air or water?

• Frost action

• Exfoliation

• Oxidation

• Carbonation

Answer explanation

The process when iron reacts with oxygen in the air or water is called Oxidation. This is a chemical reaction where iron loses electrons and is consequently oxidized. Other options like Frost action, Exfoliation, and Carbonation are not related to this process.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-5

What is the process called when water dissolves limestone and creates caves?

• Frost action

• Exfoliation

• Oxidation

• Carbonation

Answer explanation

The process of Carbonation refers to reactions of carbon dioxide with water, forming carbonic acid which then reacts with limestone, dissolving it and leading to cave formations. The other options - Frost action, Exfoliation, and Oxidation do not involve this process and hence, are not responsible for cave creation through limestone dissolution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What are the three main factors that affect weathering?

• Climate, hardness, and surface area

• Temperature, moisture, and wind

• Chemical reactions, erosion, and deposition

• Frost action, abrasion, and root wedging

Answer explanation

The factors affecting weathering are climate, hardness, and surface area. Climate influences the rate of weathering while hardness and surface area determine how susceptible a material is to weathering. Thus, the correct answer to the question is 'Climate, hardness, and surface area'.

Which factor refers to how much of the rock is exposed to the elements?

• Climate

• Hardness

• Surface area

• Chemical reaction

Answer explanation

The factor that refers to how much of the rock is exposed to the elements is the 'Surface area'. The larger the surface area, the more of the rock is exposed to weathering and erosion processes. It does not depend on climate, hardness or chemical reactions. Surface area directly influences the rate of weathering.

Which factor determines how quickly a rock will weather?

• Climate

• Hardness

• Surface area

• Chemical reaction

Answer explanation

The hardness of a rock determines how quickly it will weather. Harder rocks tend to weather slower than softer ones because they are more resistant to the forces of weathering such as wind, water, and temperature changes. Therefore, the answer to the question is 'Hardness'.