6-11 Midterm Study Guide

What is the primary effect of mechanical weathering on rock?

• Changes the mineral composition

• Forms new minerals

• Breaks rock into smaller pieces, increasing surface area

• Causes chemical reactions with water

Which process involves water freezing in cracks and expanding, causing rocks to break apart?

• Salt crystal growth

• Oxidation

• Frost wedging

• Hydrolysis

What is the result of salt crystal growth in rocks?

• Formation of clay minerals

• Cracking and widening of crevices

• Dissolution of minerals

• Rust formation

Sheeting or unloading primarily occurs due to what geological factor?

• Burrowing animals

• Formation of rills

• Release of confining pressure

• Formation of soil horizons

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Which process involves plant roots or animals contributing to the physical breakdown of rocks?

• Hydrolysis

• Dissolution

• Biological activity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the main agent responsible for chemical weathering?

• Wind

• Organic matter

• Water

• Iron

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

In oxidation, which element reacts with oxygen to form rust?

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Calcium

• Sodium

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

What is the most stable and abundant product of hydrolysis in weathered silicates?

• Quartz

• Calcite

• Salt

• Clay minerals

What soil horizon contains the most organic material and biological activity?

• A. A horizon

• B. E horizon

• C. B horizon

• D. C horizon

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What farming method helps control soil erosion on steep slopes?

• Irrigation

• Plowing straight downslope

• Constructing terraces