Weathering

Multiple choice questions. Choose the best answer.

1. The decomposition of rock is a slow process known as
   
   

   a) physical weathering.
   b) exfoliation.
   c) frost shattering.
   d) chemical weathering.




2. Where diurnal temperatures range from above to below freezing, bare rock surfaces tend to
   
   

   a) shatter due to the expansion of freezing water.
   b) exfoliate in thick layers due to pressure release.
   c) decompose only during daylight hours.
   d) resist all types of weathering and erosion.




3. Exfoliation of rock and concrete surfaces is speeded up when
   
   

   a) temperatures are low.
   b) humidity is high.
   c) salts are abundant.
   d) climates are tropical.




4. The universal agent that promotes chemical weathering is
   
   

   a) dilute acid.
   b) water.
   c) temperature.
   d) humidity.




5. Batholiths of granite solidify at great depths and pressures. Eventually, they might be exposed at the earth's surface where reduced pressure causes the rock masses to expand and
   
   

   a) exfoliate massively.
   b) decompose chemically.
   c) fault and create rift valleys.
   d) shatter due to frost.




6. Both chemical and physical weathering occur
   
   

   a) only in the tropics.
   b) only in tundra regions.
   c) only in areas of extreme temperatures.
   d) at all latitudes.




7. Chemical weathering predominates
   
   

   a) in the tropics.
   b) in tundra regions.
   c) in areas of extreme temperatures.
   d) at all latitudes.




8. At very high altitudes, mountains are almost devoid of vegetation, and scree slopes accumulate below cliffs because of
   
   

   a) physical weathering.
   b) chemical reactions.
   c) climatic changes.
   d) winter blizzards.




9. Rock must weather before it can be eroded and mass-wasted. Rock that weathers and does not move contributes to
   
   

   a) residual soils.
   b) landslides.
   c) chemical weathering.
   d) exposure of bedrock.




10. Which of the following are caused by mechanical weathering?
    
    

    a) eskers
    b) barchans
    c) baymouth bars
    d) exfoliated domes




11. Which of the following is NOT a gradational force?
    
    

    a) volcanism
    b) chemical weathering
    c) mechanical weathering
    d) mass wasting




12. 130 million tons of rock and soil suddenly moved down the slope of Johnston Peak. The correct term for this form of mass wasting is
    
    

    a) solifluction.
    b) debris flow.
    c) landslide.
    d) earth flow.




13. Which weathering process occurs when a rock decomposes rather than breaks apart?
    
    

    a) chemical
    b) mechanical
    c) differential
    d) biological




14. Which of the following is NOT a description of weathering?
    
    

    a) mechanical and chemical forces breaking down rock
    b) the transportation of debris by various natural agents
    c) a gradual disintegration of rock exposed to the atmosphere
    d) a force which produces exfoliation domes and talus slopes




15. Which type of weathering is most common in a tropical rain forest?
    
    

    a) hydration
    b) pressure release
    c) growth of salt crystals
    d) expansion and contraction




16. Which of the following processes is an example of the mechanical weathering of a rock structure?
    
    

    a) solution in limestone
    b) capilliary action
    c) exfoliation
    d) oxidation




17. Which of the following is NOT a process of weathering?
    
    

    a) saltation
    b) exfoliation
    c) freeze-thaw action
    d) solution by rain water

Answer key	1.	6.	11.
	2.	7.	12.
	3.	8.	13.
	4.	9.	14.
	5.	10.

Compiling such a data bank is an ongoing process. Comments and contributions are appreciated by those persons who use this resource.

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