Weathering Trivia Facts And Questions! Trivia Quiz

1.

The breaking down of rocks and soil through contact with the atmosphere is called...

A.

Erosion
B.

Thermal Expansion
C.

Abrasion
D.

Weathering

Correct Answer
D. Weathering

Explanation
Weathering refers to the process of breaking down rocks and soil through contact with the atmosphere. This can occur through various mechanisms such as physical, chemical, and biological processes. Erosion, on the other hand, involves the movement and transportation of weathered materials by wind, water, or ice. Thermal expansion refers to the increase in volume of a substance due to an increase in temperature. Abrasion involves the wearing away of rocks and soil by friction and impact. Therefore, weathering is the most appropriate term to describe the breaking down of rocks and soil through contact with the atmosphere.

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2.

The breaking down of rocks and soil by contact with heat, ice, water, or pressure is called...

A.

Chemical weathering
B.

Physical weathering
C.

Ice wedging
D.

Thermal weathering

Correct Answer
B. Physical weathering

Explanation
Physical weathering refers to the process of breaking down rocks and soil through physical forces such as heat, ice, water, or pressure. This can occur when rocks are exposed to extreme temperatures, causing them to expand and contract, leading to cracks and fractures. Water can also play a role in physical weathering by freezing and expanding within cracks, a process known as ice wedging. Additionally, pressure from natural forces like wind or gravity can cause rocks to break apart. Chemical weathering, on the other hand, involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions. Thermal weathering is not a commonly used term in geology and is not directly related to the process of breaking down rocks and soil.

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3.

The effect of chemicals in the atmosphere on rocks, soil, and minerals is called...

A.

Physical weathering
B.

Ice wedging
C.

Thermal weathering
D.

Chemical weathering

Correct Answer
D. Chemical weathering

Explanation
Chemical weathering refers to the process in which chemicals in the atmosphere interact with rocks, soil, and minerals, causing them to break down or undergo chemical changes. Unlike physical weathering, which involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks without any chemical changes, chemical weathering alters the composition of the materials through reactions with substances like water, oxygen, and acids. This can result in the formation of new minerals, dissolution of rocks, or the weakening of structures. Therefore, the correct answer is chemical weathering.

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4.

What is Ice Wedging?

A.

The process of rock being broken apart by water freezing, expanding, and making cracks.
B.

The process of rock being broken apart by heating up in the day and expanding and cooling off at night and impending.
C.

Ice caps melting from global warming.
D.

None of the above

Correct Answer
A. The process of rock being broken apart by water freezing, expanding, and making cracks.

Explanation
Ice wedging is the process by which rocks are broken apart due to the expansion of water when it freezes. When water seeps into cracks in rocks and freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock and causing it to crack and break apart. This process is particularly effective in areas with fluctuating temperatures, where water can repeatedly freeze and thaw, widening the cracks and eventually causing the rock to disintegrate.

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5.

What is Thermal Expansion?

A.

The process of rock being broken apart by heating up in the day and expanding and cooling off at night and impending.
B.

The process of rock being broken apart by water freezing, expanding, and making cracks.
C.

Mountains expanding because of the warmth of the Earth.
D.

None of the above

Correct Answer
A. The process of rock being broken apart by heating up in the day and expanding and cooling off at night and impending.

Explanation
Thermal expansion refers to the process of rocks being broken apart due to the heating up during the day, causing them to expand, and then cooling off at night, leading to contraction and potential cracking. This phenomenon occurs due to the differential expansion and contraction rates of different minerals within the rock, causing stress and ultimately resulting in the rock breaking apart.

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6.

Management rules for keeping soil from being eroded away is called...

Correct Answer
soil conservation

Explanation
Soil conservation refers to the set of management rules and practices implemented to prevent soil erosion. It involves various techniques such as contour plowing, terracing, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops to protect the topsoil from being washed away by water or blown away by wind. These measures help maintain the fertility and structure of the soil, preventing its degradation and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Soil conservation is essential for preserving natural resources, promoting sustainable land use, and mitigating the negative impacts of erosion on both agricultural productivity and the environment.

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7.

Broken down materials like rocks, dirt, and leaves are called...

Correct Answer
soil

Explanation
Broken down materials like rocks, dirt, and leaves undergo weathering and decomposition processes, resulting in the formation of soil. Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, water, and air, which provides a medium for plant growth. It is essential for sustaining life on Earth as it supports the growth of plants and provides nutrients for them. Therefore, the correct answer is soil.

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8.

A layer of soil parallel to the surface, having distinct characteristics made by how the soil was formed is called the...

Correct Answer
soil horizon

Explanation
A soil horizon is a layer of soil that is parallel to the surface and has distinct characteristics based on how the soil was formed. This term is commonly used in soil science to describe the different layers or horizons that make up a soil profile. Each soil horizon has unique properties such as color, texture, and composition, which can provide valuable information about the soil's formation and fertility. Understanding the different soil horizons is essential for studying and managing soil resources effectively.

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9.

Texture, structure, compaction, and organic matter are all...

Correct Answer
properties of soil
characteristics of soil

Explanation
The terms "texture, structure, compaction, and organic matter" all refer to specific attributes or qualities that can be used to describe or define soil. These attributes are essential in understanding the composition and behavior of soil. Therefore, they can be considered as properties or characteristics of soil.

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10.

What is the rate of weathering?

A.

30 hours
B.

30 years
C.

30,000 years
D.

30,000,000 years
E.

It depends mostly on climate, exposure, and size to determine how long it will take to weather

Correct Answer
E. It depends mostly on climate, exposure, and size to determine how long it will take to weather

Explanation
The rate of weathering refers to the speed at which rocks and other materials break down and erode due to natural processes. This rate is not fixed and can vary depending on several factors such as climate, exposure to elements, and the size of the material. Different climates and levels of exposure can accelerate or slow down the weathering process. Additionally, the size of the material can also affect the rate of weathering, as smaller particles have a larger surface area exposed to weathering agents. Therefore, the rate of weathering cannot be determined by a specific time frame and depends on these factors.

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