Weathering And Erosion

Question 1

What is Scree/Talus?

Answer 1

Formation of ice within mountain rock slopes, freezes , expands and cracks

Question 2

What is Soil Creep

Answer 2

It is when damp soil moves very slowly down a slope as the weight of water pushes it forward

Question 3

Landslide

Answer 3

A Rapid movement of soil down slope . Can occur on slopes that are not steep enough for scree. Direct influence of gravity.

Question 4

Mud slide and debris flow

Answer 4

Sandy soils absorb water and it tends to flow , causing a fast moving “river” of dirt and debris liquified by water

Question 5

Slump

Answer 5

A term used for a section or a slab of land that breaks away and slips a short distance down slip. The top layer of soil and vegetation usually untouched.

Question 6

Rockfalls and Avalanches

Answer 6

A mass of rock or snow breaks away and slides down mountain slope. Triggered by wind, skiers, earthquakes, etc. air temp also affects it

Question 7

Soliflunction

Answer 7

Very slow movement of saturated soil , related to freeze thaw activity

Question 8

Difference between Weathering and erosion

Answer 8

Erosion breaks down rock and particles are carried away by wind and water but weathering degrades rock without displacing them.

Question 9

Difference between physical and chemical weathering

Answer 9

Physical weath. Breaks the rock apart, chemical weath. Changes it’s composition.

Question 10

4 main types of physical weathering

Answer 10

Frost shatter, plant roots, thermal expansion , exfoliation

Question 11

Frost shatter

Answer 11

Happens in northern/temperate regions. Water enters cracks in rocks then freezes and expands the rock

Question 12

Plant roots

Answer 12

As roots grow into cracks they force the rock apart.

Question 13

Thermal expansion

Answer 13

During the day hot sun heats the rocks and expansion happens . At night rock contracts and some may fall off

Question 14

Exfoliation

Answer 14

Thin layers of rock peel off the outer surface of the rock face.

Question 15

Three main types of chemical weathering

Answer 15

Solution : falling rain droplets absorb C02 from atmosphere and mild acid called carbonic acid created

Question 16

Hydrolysis

Answer 16

Carbonic acid works on minerals called silicates , a new solution is formed as chemicals in rock interact with water

Question 17

Oxidation

Answer 17

As waters comes into contact with iron oxide , it dissolves and gets carried away. Oxygen dissolved in water can Change into iron oxide

Question 18

What is Mass wasting ?

Answer 18

Mass wasting is the downhill movement of weathered rock particles/soil material caused by the force of gravity and other factors. Rates affected due to amount of water in weathered material , presence of vegetation , human activities , etc.

Question 19

Why is vegetation important in stabilizing slopes

Answer 19

Vegetation is important because plants roots anchor the soul and help hold it in place

Question 20

Causes of Mass wasting

Answer 20

Human interaction with government, like mining destruction and lodging. Rainfall also causes it because it causes soil to expand and become heavier.

Question 21

How do hot springs form

Answer 21

If water percolates deeply enough into the crust, it comes into contact with hot rocks near mantle and can circulate to the surface to form hot springs.

Question 22

Why did the frank slide occur ?

Answer 22

• Water(rivers) through running mountain, heavy rain in the spring season, also freeze thaw action because of season weather, gravity and as well as mountain instability.