Weathering

Question 1

Define weathering

Answer 1

Chemical or physical breakdown of rocks

Question 2

Main types of physical weathering

Answer 2

water, chemicals (chemical rain), abrasion

Question 3

What are the rocks most prone to weathering?

Answer 3

Reverse Bowens reaction series. Minerals formed under high temp. (under earth surface). Olivine Calcite, rocks with iron in them.

Question 4

What is weathering by solution?

Answer 4

Complete breakup and dissolving of minerals in solution

Question 5

Examples of Mechanical weathering

Answer 5

Frost freeze expanding, thermal (heating) expansion, Organic actives, mechanical abrasion

Question 6

Bedrock

Answer 6

Unaltered rock of any kind

Question 7

Regolith

Answer 7

layer of broken pieces of rock and semi-altered rock overtop of bedrock

Question 8

Soil

Answer 8

Layer of altered material mixed with organic matter

Question 9

How does higher surface area impact rate of weather?

Answer 9

More surface area= faster weathering more fractures= easier erosion

Question 10

Why Pyroxene turn into hematite above ground?

Answer 10

Pyroxene is reduced above ground by weathering, turns to hematite via conversion to Fe3+