Weathering Erosion Deposition Soil Review

Which type of soil contains the most nutrients?

• soil with a lot of large rock fragments in it

• sandy soil that drains water easily

• soil with a lot of decomposed organic material in it

Answer explanation

Soil rich in decomposed organic material, known as humus, provides essential nutrients for plants, making it the most nutrient-dense type of soil compared to soils with large rock fragments or sandy soils.

__________ is the process by which rocks are broken down into soil through alternating freezing and thawing.

• frost action/ice wedging

• oxidation

• animal activity

Answer explanation

Frost action, or ice wedging, is the process where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to break down into soil. This cycle of freezing and thawing is crucial in soil formation.

__________ is an agent of chemical weathering.

• ice wedging

• animal activity

• acid precipitation

Answer explanation

Acid precipitation is a significant agent of chemical weathering as it can dissolve minerals and rocks, leading to their breakdown. Ice wedging and animal activity are physical processes, not chemical.

Humus, silt, clay, and sand are the ingredients for __________.

• organic material

• rocks

• soil

Answer explanation

Humus, silt, clay, and sand are essential components that combine to form soil. Therefore, the correct answer is 'soil', as these ingredients contribute to its structure and fertility.

The organic material in soil comes from __________.

• weathered parent rock

• acid precipitation

• decayed plants and animals

Answer explanation

The organic material in soil primarily comes from decayed plants and animals, which contribute nutrients and improve soil structure, unlike weathered parent rock or acid precipitation that do not provide organic matter.

What happens to the rate at which rock material breaks down if it's in smaller pieces?

• It will weather faster

• It will weather more slowly

• Size of the particles has no impact on rate of weathering

Answer explanation

Smaller pieces of rock have a greater surface area exposed to weathering agents like water and air. This increased exposure accelerates the breakdown process, meaning it will weather faster.

What kind of weathering happens when wind blows sand against rocks?

• erosion

• oxidation

• abrasion

Answer explanation

The correct answer is abrasion, which occurs when wind-blown sand strikes rocks, wearing them down. This process is a type of mechanical weathering that physically erodes the surface of the rocks.

When oxygen in the air and in water reacts with iron, what kind of weathering happens?

• differential weathering

• oxidation

• abrasion

Answer explanation

When oxygen reacts with iron in air or water, it causes oxidation, a chemical weathering process that leads to rust formation. This distinguishes it from other types of weathering like differential weathering or abrasion.

Which type of climate would have the fastest weathering?

• warm and humid

• cold and dry

Answer explanation

Warm and humid climates accelerate chemical weathering due to higher temperatures and moisture, which enhance the breakdown of rocks and minerals. In contrast, cold and dry climates slow down this process.

__________ is the ability of soil to hold its nutrients so they are available for plants to use.

• soil fertility

• density

• erosion

• weathering

Answer explanation

Soil fertility refers to the soil's ability to retain nutrients, making them accessible for plants. This is crucial for plant growth, unlike density, erosion, or weathering, which do not directly relate to nutrient availability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1