Earth Science Unit Test

Describe how rocks undergo weathering.

• Rocks undergo weathering through volcanic activity.

• Rocks undergo weathering through the process of erosion.

• Rocks undergo weathering through the breakdown of minerals and rocks into smaller particles over time due to various natural processes.

• Rocks undergo weathering through the growth of new minerals.

What distinguishes mechanical weathering from chemical weathering?

• Mechanical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles without changing their chemical composition, while chemical weathering alters the chemical structure of rocks.

• Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering are synonymous terms.

• Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering both involve the physical breakdown of rocks.

• Chemical weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks, while mechanical weathering alters the chemical composition.

How does water contribute to both mechanical and chemical weathering processes?

• Water only affects mechanical weathering by breaking down rocks physically.

• Water facilitates chemical reactions that alter the mineral composition of rocks in chemical weathering, and it also contributes to mechanical weathering through freeze-thaw cycles.

• Water is not involved in weathering processes.

• Water only impacts chemical weathering by dissolving minerals.

What is the main difference between frost wedging and exfoliation?

• Frost wedging is a type of chemical weathering, while exfoliation is a type of mechanical weathering.

• Frost wedging involves the expansion of water upon freezing, causing rocks to break, while exfoliation is the peeling away of layers from a rock's surface.

• Frost wedging and exfoliation are synonymous terms.

• Frost wedging and exfoliation both involve the physical breakdown of rocks.

Which of the following factors is known to accelerate chemical weathering?

• Arid climates.

• High elevation.

• Presence of vegetation.

• Increased temperature and pressure.

In the process of weathering, what mechanism involves the addition of water to minerals leading to their breakdown?

• Oxidation.

• Hydration.

• Carbonation.

• Mechanical weathering.

What process involves the reaction of carbon dioxide with minerals to form soluble compounds, contributing to the weathering of rocks?

• Oxidation.

• Hydration.

• Carbonation.

• Mechanical weathering.

In the context of geology, what does oxidation primarily involve?

• The addition of water to minerals.

• The reaction of minerals with oxygen.

• The release of heat from rocks.

• The physical breakdown of rocks.

How does wind erosion contribute to landscape changes?

• By depositing sediment in riverbeds.

• By breaking down rocks through chemical reactions.

• By carrying and transporting loose particles, shaping landforms over time.

• By causing volcanic eruptions.

What characterizes mass wasting in geological processes?

• The upward movement of rocks and minerals.

• The slow downslope movement of rock and soil material under the influence of gravity.

• The formation of sedimentary rocks.

• The rapid expansion of river valleys.