CH-9 WEATHERING & DENUDATION

I. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. What does weathering mean? What does gradation mean?
Answer: Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles and minerals due
to various natural processes. Gradation is the process of sorting and transporting these
weathered materials by agents like water, wind, or ice.
2. Name two major types of weathering. Name two processes involved in gradation.
Answer: Two major types of weathering are mechanical (physical) weathering and chemical
weathering. Two processes involved in gradation are erosion and deposition.
3. Describe how changes of temperature lead to weathering.
Answer: Changes in temperature can lead to weathering through a process called thermal
expansion and contraction. When rocks heat up, they expand, and when they cool down, they
contract. Repeated expansion and contraction can cause cracks and fractures in rocks,
eventually leading to their breakdown.
4. What is exfoliation?
Answer: Exfoliation is a type of physical weathering where outer layers of rocks peel away
due to pressure release. This often occurs in igneous rocks that were once buried deep
underground and then exposed through erosion.
5. How does frost action cause weathering?
Answer: Frost action causes weathering by the repeated freezing and thawing (melting) of
water within cracks in rocks. As water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can widen
cracks and break apart rocks.
6. Name the different processes of chemical weathering.
Answer: Different processes of chemical weathering include Solution, oxidation, hydrolysis,
and carbonation & hydration.
7. What is hydration?
Answer: Hydration is a specific type of chemical weathering where minerals in rocks absorb
water molecules, leading to the expansion and weakening of the rock structure.
8. Describe the work of plants as agents of weathering.
Answer: Plants contribute to weathering by their roots growing into cracks in rocks, which
can pry them apart over time. Additionally, the release of organic acids by some plants can
chemically weather the rocks they grow on.
9. Which human activities lead to weathering of rocks?
Answer: Human activities that lead to weathering of rocks include mining, construction, and
quarrying, which can expose rocks to weathering agents. Pollution and acid rain can also
accelerate chemical weathering.
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10. State the effect of weathering.

Answer: The effect of weathering is the breakdown and decomposition of rocks into smaller
particles and minerals. This contributes to the formation of soil and the shaping of
landscapes.
11. What happens when the river is in its upper course?
Answer: In its upper course, a river typically flows in a steep, narrow valley with fast-
flowing water. It may have waterfalls and rapids as it descends from higher elevations.
12. How is a waterfall formed?
Answer: A waterfall is formed when a river flows over a resistant layer of rock, creating a
vertical drop. Erosion at the base of this rock layer causes it to undercut, leading to the
formation of a waterfall.
II. Define the following:
1. Weathering
Answer: Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into
smaller particles and minerals through physical, chemical, or biological processes.
2. Frost action
Answer: Frost action, also known as freeze-thaw weathering, is a type of physical
weathering where the repeated freezing and thawing (melting) of water within cracks and
crevices in rocks cause them to break apart.
3. Exfoliation
Answer: Exfoliation is a type of physical weathering where outer layers of rocks peel away
due to pressure release, typically occurring in rocks that were once buried deep underground.
4. Oxidation
Answer: Oxidation is a chemical weathering process in which minerals in rocks react with
oxygen, often resulting in the rusting or reddening of the rock surface.
5. Carbonation
Answer: Carbonation is a chemical weathering process in which minerals in rocks react with
carbon dioxide (CO2) to form soluble compounds like calcium bicarbonate.
III. Discuss the formation of the following:
1. V-shaped valley
Answer: V-shaped valleys are formed by the erosional action of rivers in their upper courses.
The river cuts downward, creating a narrow, steep-sided valley with a V-shaped cross-section.
2. Meanders
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Answer: Meanders are formed in river channels as a result of erosion and deposition. The
river erodes the outer bank of a bend and deposits sediment on the inner bank, causing the
channel to snake or curve.
3. Deflation hollows
Answer: Deflation hollows are shallow depressions in the ground formed by the removal of
loose, fine-grained sediment by wind erosion.
4. Sand dunes
Answer: Sand dunes are formed when wind carries and deposits sand grains, creating
mounds or ridges of sand. The shape and size of dunes depend on wind direction and sand
supply.
5. Barchans.
Answer: Barchans are crescent-shaped sand dunes that form in areas with limited sand
supply and unidirectional wind. They have a curved windward side and a pointed, downwind
horn.
IV. Distinguishing between the following:
1. Physical Weathering and Chemical Weathering
Answer:  Physical Weathering: This is when rocks break into smaller pieces, but their
chemical makeup doesn't change. It happens because of things like temperature changes,
wind, and rubbing against other rocks.
 Chemical Weathering: This is when rocks change because of chemicals. They can
dissolve or get a new chemical makeup because of things like water, acids, or even tiny living
things.

Physical Weathering Chemical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks into smaller The alteration of rocks through chemical
pieces without changing their reactions, leading to changes in their
Definition chemical composition. mineral composition and structure.

Frost action, exfoliation, abrasion,

Main thermal expansion, and pressure Hydrolysis, oxidation, carbonation, and
Mechanisms release. dissolution by acidic substances.

Temperature fluctuations,
Environmental mechanical stress, and physical Presence of water, moisture, chemical
Factors abrasion. agents like acids, and specific minerals.

2. Granular Disintegration and Block Disintegration

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Answer:

Process Granular Disintegration Block Disintegration

The breakdown of rocks into small The disintegration of rocks into large,
granules or grains, often due to physical irregular blocks or chunks, primarily
Definition weathering processes. through mechanical forces.

Size of Resulting
Fragments Small grains or granules. Large, irregular blocks or chunks.

Frost action, abrasion, and thermal Pressure, mechanical stress, and thermal
expansion can contribute to granular expansion may lead to block
Mechanisms disintegration. disintegration.

3. Solution and Hydration

Answer: Solution: It’s like as rocks "melting" in water. Some rocks can dissolve in water,
just like sugar dissolves in your tea. It happens when there's water and sometimes even
something a bit sour (like lemon juice).
Hydration: This is when rocks kind of "swell up" because they soak up water. It's like when
a sponge gets bigger when you put it in water. Some rocks can do that too, especially certain
kinds of clay rocks.

Solution Hydration

The process of rock minerals A chemical reaction where minerals absorb

dissolving in water, leading to their water molecules into their crystal structure,
Definition removal from the rock. causing expansion and weakening.

Clay minerals are often affected by

Common Minerals Soluble minerals like halite and hydration, causing swelling and weakening
Affected gypsum are more prone to solution. of the rock.

Availability of water, presence of Presence of water, temperature variations,

Environmental acidic solutions, and temperature and the specific minerals present can affect
Factors can influence solution. hydration processes.

V. Give reasons for the following:

1. Change of temperature leads to physical weathering.
Answer: Change of temperature leads to physical weathering because rocks expand when
heated and contract when cooled. Repeated expansion and contraction create stress within the
rocks, leading to fractures and weathering.
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2. Presence of water aids chemical weathering.

Answer: Presence of water aids chemical weathering because water can act as a solvent,
facilitating chemical reactions between minerals in rocks and substances dissolved in water.
Water also contributes to processes like hydrolysis and dissolution.
3. Human activities encourage weathering.
Answer: Human activities encourage weathering because activities such as mining,
construction, and quarrying expose rocks to weathering agents like air and water. Pollution
and acid rain can accelerate chemical weathering.

4. Climate is the most important factor of soil formation,

Answer: Climate is the most important factor of soil formation because it influences the rate
and type of weathering processes. In humid climates, chemical weathering is more prevalent,
leading to faster soil formation, while in arid climates, physical weathering may dominate,
resulting in slower soil formation.
VI. Indicate the correct answer by writing the appropriate word in the blanks provided:
1. Which one of the following is an example of physical weathering?
Answer:
(a) solution
(b) frost action
(c) hydration
(d) oxidation.
2. Which one of the following is an example of chemical weathering?
Answer:
(a) block disintegration
(b) granular disintegration
(c) exfoliation
(d) solution.