Weathering Quiz Questions And Answers

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  • 1/17 Questions

    Oxygen reacts with certain elements of some rocks turning them brown, and causing them to crumble more easily. Which chemical weathering process is this describing?

    • Oxidation
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About This Quiz

Weathering is a topic that is taught to everyone in school. You might have studied about it too. Here is a short and quick weathering quiz that is designed to test your knowledge of this section of the course. Try this and we'll see how much you know about weathering and how the process results are carried forth by agents of soil erosion. How high do you think you can score in this test? Give it a shot, and all the best!

Weathering Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Certain minerals within rocks are soluble and simply dissolve in water. Which chemical weathering process is this describing?

    • Solution

    Correct Answer
    A. Solution
    Explanation
    This question is asking about a chemical weathering process where certain minerals within rocks dissolve in water. This process is known as solution, where the minerals are broken down and carried away by water.

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  • 3. 

    The decomposition of humus (rotting vegetation) produces organic acids which react with certain rocks. Which chemical weathering process is this describing?

    • Chelation

    Correct Answer
    A. Chelation
    Explanation
    This question is describing the chemical weathering process known as chelation. Chelation occurs when organic acids produced from the decomposition of humus react with certain rocks. In this process, the organic acids form complexes with metal ions in the rocks, causing them to dissolve and break down over time. Chelation is an important mechanism in the weathering of minerals and can contribute to the formation of soil.

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  • 4. 

    As the precipitation rate increases the rate of physical weathering:

    • Increases

    • Decreases

    • Stays the same

    • Slightly reduces

    Correct Answer
    A. Increases
    Explanation
    As the precipitation rate increases, more water is available to interact with rocks and minerals, leading to an increased rate of physical weathering. The water can seep into cracks and crevices, freeze and expand, causing the rocks to break apart. Additionally, the water can dissolve minerals and weaken the structure of rocks, making them more susceptible to erosion. Therefore, the correct answer is "Increases".

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  • 5. 

    As the temperature increases the rate of chemical weathering:

    • Increases

    • Decreases

    • Remains unchanged

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Increases
    Explanation
    The rate of chemical weathering is directly influenced by temperature. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of molecules also increases, leading to faster chemical reactions. This increased energy allows for more effective breaking down of minerals and rocks, resulting in an increased rate of chemical weathering. Therefore, the correct answer is "Increases".

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  • 6. 

    The breakdown of rock material in its current location. This is a definition of...

    • Erosion

    • Weathering

    • Transportation

    • Deposition

    • Freeze Thaw

    Correct Answer
    A. Weathering
    Explanation
    Weathering refers to the breakdown of rock material in its current location. It involves the physical, chemical, and biological processes that cause rocks to disintegrate and decompose over time. This can occur due to factors such as temperature changes, water, wind, ice, and biological activity. Unlike erosion, which involves the movement of weathered material, weathering specifically focuses on the process of breaking down rocks without transportation.

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  • 7. 

    Which type of rock is formed by the cooling of lava or magma?

    • Sedimentary Rock

    • Metamorphic Rock

    • Igneous Rock

    Correct Answer
    A. Igneous Rock
    Explanation
    Igneous rock is formed by the cooling and solidification of lava or magma. When magma or lava cools, it crystallizes and forms igneous rock. This type of rock can have a variety of textures and compositions depending on the rate of cooling and the mineral content of the magma or lava. Some examples of igneous rocks include granite, basalt, and pumice.

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  • 8. 

    What is the name given to the group of weathering processes associated with the action of organisms?

    • Tree root action

    • The action of burrowing animals

    • Chemical Weathering

    • Biological Weathering

    • Physical Weathering

    Correct Answer
    A. Biological Weathering
    Explanation
    Biological weathering refers to the group of weathering processes that are associated with the action of organisms. This includes the activities of plants, animals, and microorganisms that contribute to the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals. Examples of biological weathering include the action of tree roots as they grow and exert pressure on rocks, as well as the activities of burrowing animals that break up and mix soil. Unlike physical weathering, which is caused by physical forces like temperature changes and water erosion, biological weathering is driven by the actions of living organisms.

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  • 9. 

    Which one of these processes is not a chemical weathering process

    • Carbonation

    • Hydration

    • Oxidation

    • Chelation

    • Frost Shattering

    Correct Answer
    A. Frost Shattering
    Explanation
    Frost shattering is not a chemical weathering process because it does not involve any chemical reactions. Instead, it is a physical weathering process caused by the expansion of water when it freezes, leading to the breaking down of rocks into smaller fragments. Chemical weathering processes, on the other hand, involve chemical reactions that alter the composition of rocks, such as carbonation, hydration, oxidation, and chelation.

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  • 10. 

    Which chemical weathering process involves the action of carbonic acid on rocks such as limestone that are composed of calcium carbonate?

    • Oxidation

    • Chelation

    • Solution

    • Carbonation

    • Hydration

    Correct Answer
    A. Carbonation
    Explanation
    Carbonation is the correct answer because it involves the action of carbonic acid on rocks composed of calcium carbonate, such as limestone. Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, and it reacts with calcium carbonate to form calcium bicarbonate, which is soluble in water. This process leads to the dissolution and breakdown of the rock, causing the weathering of limestone.

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  • 11. 

    Which type of weathering involves the outer layers of rock peeling off due to the rock expanding as it is heated and contracting as it cools?

    • Hydration

    • Insolation Weathering

    • Oxidation

    • Tree Root Action

    • Carbonation

    Correct Answer
    A. Insolation Weathering
    Explanation
    Insolation weathering involves the outer layers of rock peeling off due to the rock expanding as it is heated and contracting as it cools. This type of weathering occurs due to the repeated heating and cooling of the rock's surface caused by exposure to the sun's radiation. The expansion and contraction of the rock cause stress and eventually lead to the peeling off or flaking of the outer layers.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following is NOT a type of physical weathering?

    • Frost wedging 

    • Oxidation 

    • Exfoliation 

    • Abrasion

    Correct Answer
    A. Oxidation 
    Explanation
    Oxidation is a type of chemical weathering, where rocks react with oxygen in the atmosphere, causing them to break down. Physical weathering involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition. Frost wedging, exfoliation, and abrasion are all examples of physical weathering processes.

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  • 13. 

    What is the process by which rock fragments are broken loose called?

    • In Situ

    • Weathering

    • Deposition

    • Erosion

    • Onion Skin Weathering

    Correct Answer
    A. Erosion
    Explanation
    Erosion is the correct answer because it refers to the process by which rock fragments are broken loose. Through erosion, the rock fragments are transported and moved away from their original location by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice. This process can result in the wearing away and reshaping of the Earth's surface over time.

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  • 14. 

    Which group of rocks are changed by exposure to extreme heat or pressure?

    • Igneous rocks

    • Sedimentary rocks

    • Metamorphic rocks

    • None of the above

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Metamorphic rocks
    Explanation
    Metamorphic rocks undergo changes in texture, mineral composition, or both due to high temperature, pressure, or chemically active fluids. These changes occur without melting the rock entirely. Examples include marble from limestone and slate from shale. Metamorphism occurs deep within the Earth's crust where heat and pressure are intense.

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  • 15. 

    Certain minerals within certain rocks absorb water. As they absorb water the rock expands and this can exert a pressure. Over many years this can lead to the weathering of the rock. What is the name given to this type of chemical weathering?

    • Carbonation

    • Hydration

    • Hydrolosis

    • Chelation

    • Oxidation

    Correct Answer
    A. Hydration
    Explanation
    Hydration is the correct answer because it refers to the process in which certain minerals within rocks absorb water, causing the rock to expand and exert pressure. This process occurs over many years and can lead to the weathering of the rock.

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  • 16. 

    Which one of these terms is another name for onion skin weathering?

    • Frost shattering

    • Hydrolosis

    • Oxidation

    • Tree root action

    • Insolation weathering

    Correct Answer
    A. Insolation weathering
    Explanation
    Insolation weathering is another term for onion skin weathering. This type of weathering occurs when rocks are exposed to extreme temperature changes, causing the outer layers to expand and contract at different rates. Over time, this leads to the formation of concentric layers, similar to the layers of an onion. This process is known as insolation weathering, and it is a type of physical weathering.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following rocks are examples of igneous rocks?

    • Chalk

    • Granite

    • Basalt

    • Clay

    • Limestone

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Granite
    A. Basalt
    Explanation
    Granite and basalt are examples of igneous rocks. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock material, known as magma or lava. Granite is a coarse-grained rock that forms from the slow cooling of magma deep within the Earth's crust. It is composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. Basalt, on the other hand, is a fine-grained rock that forms from the rapid cooling of lava on the Earth's surface. It is composed mainly of minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar. Chalk, clay, and limestone, on the other hand, are examples of sedimentary rocks, formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment over time.

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  • Mar 25, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 09, 2007
    Quiz Created by
    Davidptongue
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