Chapter 2: Rocks, Resources and Scenery

Question 1

Define Geological timescale

Answer 1

The period of geological time since life became abundant 542 million years ago, which geologists have divided into eras and periods.

Question 2

Define Crust

Answer 2

The outer layer of the earth

Question 3

Define igneous rock

Answer 3

Rocks formed from cooling of molten lava

Question 4

Define sedimentary rock

Answer 4

Most commonly, rocks formed from the accumulation of sediment on the sea floor

Question 5

Define metamorphic rock

Answer 5

Rocks that have undergone a change in their chemistry and texture as a result of heating and pressure

Question 6

What is the rock cycle?

Answer 6

The connections between the three rock types shown in the form of a diagram

Question 7

Define weathering

Answer 7

The destruction of rocks in situ, generally caused by the weather

Question 8

What is mechanical weathering?

Answer 8

Weathering that doses not involve chemical changes

Question 9

Define scree

Answer 9

Deposits of angular rock fragments found at the foot of rocky outcrops

Question 10

What is chemical weathering?

Answer 10

Weathering that involves a chemical change taking place

Question 11

What is biological weathering?

Answer 11

Weathering caused by living organisms such as tree roots or burrowing animals

Question 12

What is freeze thaw weathering?

Answer 12

Weathering involving the repeated cycles of freezing and thawing

Question 13

Define pores

Answer 13

Holes in a rock

Question 14

Define exfoliation

Answer 14

Flaking of the outer surface of rocks mainly caused by repeated cycles of hot and cold

Question 15

What is solution?

Answer 15

The dissolving of rocks or minerals by rainwater

Question 16

Define carbonation

Answer 16

The weathering of limestone and chalk by acidic rainwater

Question 17

What is a batholith?

Answer 17

A huge irregular-shaped mesas of intrusive igneous rock that only reaches the ground surface when the overlying rocks are removed

Question 18

Define joints

Answer 18

Cracks that may run horizontally or vertically through rock

Question 19

What is impermeable rock?

Answer 19

A rock that does not allow water to pass through it

Question 20

What is a tor?

Answer 20

An isolated outcrop of rock on a hilltop typically found in granite landscapes

Question 21

What is mass movement?

Answer 21

The downhill movement of material under the influence of gravity

Question 22

What is a cliff?

Answer 22

A steep or vertical face of rock at the coast.

Question 23

What is permeable rock?

Answer 23

A rock that allows water to pass through it

Question 24

What is a water table?

Answer 24

The upper surface of underground water

Question 25

What is a spring

Answer 25

Water re-emerging from the rock onto ground surface. These usually occur as a line of of springs at the base of a scarp slope.

Question 26

Define vale

Answer 26

In the landscape, a flat plain typically formed on clay

Question 27

What is an escarpment/cuesta?

Answer 27

An outcrop of chalk compromising a steep scarp slope and a more gentle dip slope